Art for Architecture. Ukraine

More about the book

During the Soviet era, the Ukrainian art scene was shaped by Party regulations, resulting in monumental and decorative arts that straddled propaganda and artistic experimentation. Today, Ukrainian mosaics are often removed from their original architectural settings, both physically and conceptually, and are frequently dismissed as mere ideological artifacts. Legally, these mosaics lack recognition as art, leaving them vulnerable during the decommunization process. This book serves as a guide and companion for exploring both the geographical landscape of modern Ukraine and its cultural history. It features a curated selection of Ukrainian mosaics that challenges the oversimplified view of Soviet art heritage in the country. The volume is enriched with unique photographs by documentary photographer Yevgen Nikiforov, who continues research from the prior work 'Decommunized: Ukrainian Soviet Mosaics' (ISBN 9783869225838, 2017). Alongside art historian Polina Baitsym, who connects the mosaics' themes to a broader historical narrative, the book reveals the authentic creativity of Ukrainian monumental artists who thrived despite challenging circumstances.