Experiments and traditions in Ukrainian contemporary printmaking

ABSTRACT The article covers the phenomenon of synthesis of traditions and innovations in contemporary Ukrainian printmaking. The trends of today's art of circulation graphic arts in Ukraine, novelty, tools of artists of the new generation are considered. The problem of danger of classical techniques disappearing due to strengthening of C.A.D. positions is raised. Attention is focused on ways to preserve classical traditions using the example of intaglio techniques: etching, mezzo-tint, aquatint, dry point. The main trends in the existence of these techniques and ways of their preservation in various combinations are analysed. Work of the most distinctive schools (Lviv, Kyiv, Odesa), their brightest representatives who use traditional intaglio techniques, combining them, experimenting with technology, materials, creating new variations of traditional techniques, is covered. Attention is focused on the work of the Lviv school representative Oleh Denysenko who patented a new technique he invented, “gesography”, which became the most important tool in the process of preserving printmaking, in the modern artistic field and transforming it into an updated stronghold of fine arts of modern times.