The Image of Taras Shevchenko in modern artistic practices

The interpretation of the image of T. Shevchenko in modern artistic practices is analyzed. Its characteristic features are noted and its correspondence to the main trends outlined in the early 10s of the 21st century is traced: the desire to articulate and understand the basis of the pain points of modern society through the image of Shevchenko and to present him as a certain image-thoughtform (spirit, energy). It is noted that, turning to the interpretation of the image of the poet in modern artistic practices, artists adhere to the transmission of his physiognomic features. Accordingly, the authors of posters, digital collages, illustrations for Shevchenko's poems most often rely on the most common types of images, in particular, Self-portraits of T. Shevchenko (1840; 1843), photographs of the artist during his lifetime (works by I. Doss and A. Denier). However, these traditional, matrix, types of the poet's image are subject to certain modifications. Among them: conceptual «rejuvenation» of both specified types; image of T. Shevchenko as a warrior, defender. When interpreting his image, the image of a monument to the poet becomes in demand, including as a manifestation of a new way of sacralizing Shevchenko's image — a guarantor of identity preservation. Groups of works are considered separately: those where the reception of his personality, as a constant value of the Ukrainian cultural space, is revealed through symbols of creativity; interpretations of T. Shevchenko's poems. The interpretation of the poet's image is considered in the socio-cultural context of modern history; it is shown that the main inspiring factor of cultural creation in Shevchenko's theme is the disclosure of the nation-building meaning of Taras Shevchenko's poetry.