WITH GOD IN THE HEART AND UKRAINE IN THE SOUL

Abstract

Despite the awakening of interest in the art of the Ukrainian diaspora, caused by Ukraine's independence, the work of L. Denysenko remains a little-known phenomenon of our artistic heritage. With the exception of brief information in Wikipedia and the Encyclopedia of Modern Ukraine, information about the artist and his work is extremely limited. This publication is aimed at familiarizing an interested audience with the personality of L. Denysenko and one of the brightest pages of his work. Purpose. To introduce into scientific circulation the facts of the life path of the Australian artist of Ukrainian origin L. Denysenko (1926–2020), to analyze the “literography” technique he invented, to present graphic works made in this technique. Methodology. The thorny path of a Ukrainian boy from Poland to Australia, the course of his life, the first manifestations of talent, artistic education, and professional work were studied through personal communication and correspondence with L. Denysenko in the 2010s. Part of the information was obtained from printed sources, mainly interviews in the press, from his personal notes, and communication with the artist’s acquaintances. The artist’s creative heritage was studied using materials from a voluminous photo archive provided by L. Denysenko’s trusted person. Results. Biographical data and stages of L. Denysenko’s creative progress were studied and systematized. Printed sources on the art of the Ukrainian diaspora, etc. were analyzed. half of the 20th century. The theoretical basis of the technique of "literography" is studied through comparison with similar graphic techniques of the past. The innovative nature of L. Denysenko's letterographic works is revealed. Scientific novelty. Previously unknown facts of L. Denysenko's biography are published for the first time. The reasons for the organic connection with Ukrainian culture are revealed, despite the fact that the artist never set foot on his native land after emigration. The innovative nature of L. Denysenko's author's technique of "literography" is proven. Practical relevance. The results of the study can be used by specialists in the history of Ukrainian art and design. The publication of the artist's letterographic works will have practical value for graphic designers, artists, and teachers of art disciplines.