CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCIENCE OF “CIRCOLOGY” IN CONTEMPORARY UKRAINIAN ART CRITICISM: A STUDY OF THE SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL AND ARTISTIC EXAMPLES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CIRCUS GENRES AT THE KYIV MUNICIPAL ACADEMY OF CIRCUS AND PERFORMING ARTS

The topic of the research is devoted to the creation and development of the science of “Circology” in contemporary Ukrainian art criticism. Its phenomenon, definition, goals, objectives, and place in the scientific space are specified in the context of performative art and its stage samples. It is important to note that this topic and the process of studying its problem are practically unexplored, with very few fragments and references available regarding its generalization in modern art criticism, particularly concerning circus art. Given the importance of building a professional scientific school to engage in detailed studies, there is a need for research into the historical, educational, and artistic processes within the circus space. The concept of “Circology” in a cultural and art-critical format indicates that this science is a systemic professional component of the theory, history, and artistic practice of circus art and its genres. The purpose of the study is to clarify, define, and generalize the most important principles of todayʼs scientific research on circus art within the context of contemporary art criticism. As an example, scientific and methodological research is provided, focusing on the artistic samples of circus art and the educational processes surrounding circus genres today, based on the scientific work of the pedagogical staff of the Department of Circus Genres at the Kyiv Municipal Academy of Circus and Performing Arts. The concept of genre in circus art has a dual definition, unlike other types of art and artistic culture. For example, in the circus genre of acrobatics, a mixed couple (a guy and a girl) demonstrates their professionalism through stunts in the neoclassical style and lyrical genre. Features of circus theory include terms, ontological considerations, and the definition of concepts related to circus equipment, props, types of genres, and safety rules. Circus art, much like sports, is an area of increased risk of injury for performers. Additionally, circus traditions and narrow-profile professional concepts and terms are vital within contemporary circus genres – such as acrobatics, aerial gymnastics, equilibristic, juggling, illusion, clown shows, and training. The conclusions show that the development of circusology in contemporary Ukrainian art criticism is important today due to its poorly studied phenomenon. A clear definition of circusology, its system, and research methods as a professional component of the theory, history, and artistic practice of circus art and its genres is necessary. This is evidenced by specific factors of scientific research (articles, textbooks, presentations at scientific conferences) conducted by the scientific and pedagogical staff of the Department of Circus Genres at the Kyiv Municipal Academy of Circus and Performing Arts.