Reflections on Reality: Contemporary Ukrainian Visual Art and Role in Society

The study aimed to determine how contemporary Ukrainian visual art contributes to the formation and strengthening of national identity in the context of rapid socio-cultural change. The methodology included content analysis and comparative analysis of artworks, as well as a semiotic approach, which was used to interpret national symbols and cultural markers in contemporary art. The main findings show that contemporary Ukrainian visual art actively integrates national symbols and historical themes, reinterpreting them in new forms that meet cultural and social demands. Through art, contemporary artists address topics such as national identity, war, freedom and social justice, making these works meaningful to a wide audience. The artists are actively exploring how traditional cultural symbols can be adapted to new challenges, giving them new meaning and embodying the ideas of decolonization and the revival of national values. In addition, the study determined that Ukrainian art not only focuses on national motifs but also creates new visual codes that shape cultural memory for future generations. The analysis of the works of several artists shows that art is becoming a way of understanding socio-political realities, uniting the audience based on common values and historical heritage. The findings of the study emphasize the importance of contemporary Ukrainian visual art as a means of expressing national identity and reflecting on social challenges, which contributes to the preservation of national cultural identity and the development of cultural dialogue in modern society.