Blacksmith Art of Ukraine at the Beginning of the 21st Century on the Example of the Festival “Blacksmiths’ Holiday” in Ivano-Frankivsk

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to analyse the process of revival of artistic blacksmithing in Ukraine in the first decades of the 21st century through the prism of the organisation of the festival “Blacksmits’ Holiday” in Ivano-Frankivsk, which subsequently influenced the emergence of similar events in various regions of the country. The methodology of the work is based on the use of methods: historical, observation, and art historical analysis of the works performed by the festival participants. The scientific novelty is due to the fact that the activities of blacksmiths have almost not been considered in the publications of researchers, despite the fact that it has a significant impact not only on the development of artistic metalworking and decorative and applied arts in general, but also shapes the human habitat. Therefore, it is relevant to analyse the current state of this industry and the features of forged compositions, which have become an important element of the urban environment. Conclusions. The Festival “Blacksmiths’ Holiday” was held in Ivano-Frankivsk annually from 2003 to 2021. Over the years, it has transformed from one of the local events during the celebration of the city’s day into a review of the blacksmithing skills of Ukrainian artists, and later acquired international significance. The goal of the festival, conceived by famous Carpathian blacksmith artists led by S. Polubotko, M. Klochko, S. Chaika, and M. Zarytskyi, was to revive blacksmithing traditions and popularise artistic metal as a craft and art, which initially involved a public demonstration of the forging process and the creation of a joint sculptural composition for the urban landscape, consisting of elements made by different masters. Over the years, scientific conferences dedicated to the development of this art were added, as well as the exhibition “Ornamental Blacksmithing”, which was exhibited in Ivano-Frankivsk and Kyiv. The works made by blacksmiths are distinguished not only by the originality of the substantive idea, evolving from traditional craft products to self-sufficient plastic compositions, but also by stylistic diversity, in which modern design solutions and decorativeness are successfully combined. “Blacksmiths’ Festival” played an important role in the formation of the festival movement in various regions of Ukraine, initiating similar artistic events in Lviv, Chernivtsi, Lutsk, Rivne, Donetsk, Kyiv, Uzhhorod, Myrhorod and other cities. Having acquired international status, this event became an impetus for the emergence of new vectors for the development of metal plastic arts, providing craftsmen with the opportunity to exchange experience and ideas with representatives of the blacksmith community of Ukraine, Europe and the world.