COMPARISON OF THE DEPICTION OF THE IMAGES OF THE SOUTHERN UKRAINIAN STEPPE IN THE ARTISTIC AND POETIC WORKS OF DMYTRO KREMIN AND ANDRIY ANTONIUK

Abstract

The article is devoted to the depiction of the southern steppe in the works of A. Antonyuk and D. Kremin. The southern steppe has always been a source of inspiration for artists. The vast expanse of the steppe reflects the breadth and authenticity of the Ukrainian soul. It captivates and entices with its rich history. Certainly, no one can capture the beauty of the southern steppe better than someone whose creativity was shaped by its boundless landscapes. The southern steppe became the central theme in the works of two brothers: Andrii Antonyuk and Dmytro Kremin. Among the artists from the Northern Black Sea region, whose work is directly associated with the development of national culture in recent decades, the prominent position is held by Andriy Antonyuk and Dmytro Kremin. Their paintings and poetry have become defining criteria in assessing the progress of modern Ukrainian art. The steppe, glorified in A. Antoniuk's canvases, became a source of inspiration for Dmytro Kremin. Dmytro Kremin's artistic world emerged as a result of a unique interplay of various elements: word and painting, mountains and steppe, past and present. As his consciousness was shaped by the fusion of images, words, and colors, it is likewise expressed and influences the reader. Especially in the present time, the foresight and creative intuition of these artists are deeply felt, as Ukraine fights for its right to exist and maintain its independence. The artistic «cosmos» created by these artists not only taps into the depths of genetic memory but also exhibits the ability to anticipate tragic events. Nevertheless, the works of the two brothers are filled with profound patriotism and optimism, reflecting their faith in the bright future of their people. The artistic and poetic works inspired by the steppe have become a protective shield for southern Ukraine.