THE SPECIFICS OF THE DESIGN OF MOBILISATION POSTERS DURING THE PERIOD OF FULL-SCALE INVASION

Abstract

The article analyses the specifics of creating mobilisation posters during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The aim of the study is to identify problematic issues that arise in the design of such products during the period of Russia’s fullscale military invasion of Ukraine. Research methods: comparative and art historical analysis. Scientific novelty. For the first time, an analysis is made of the requirements for posters encouraging enlistment in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, formed on the basis of project activities involving specialists from the relevant field: military personnel, historians, volunteers, literary scholars, designers, activists and functionaries in the field of propaganda and cultural resistance. The following main trends have been identified for the first time: emphasis on the constitutional duty to defend the homeland, reference to positive moments in Ukrainian military history, creation of a visually attractive and heroic image of a warrior-defender, romanticisation of military service. A list of stylistic, content-related and ethical requirements for the development of products of interest for this study, taking into account the target population groups, has been identified. The application of the identified principles in practice has been analysed, and a test of practical significance has been conducted on the actual volume of poster production. Conclusions. Along with the classic trends of the Motherland addressing citizens allegorically, reminding them of their constitutional duty, there are new techniques for encouraging military service through the glamorisation, glorification, and gamification of the military paradigm. The first group of techniques may appeal to the older age group of conscripts, who have inherited memories of classic posters and appeals. The second group of techniques is aimed at a younger audience that has grown up on computer games and Hollywood blockbusters. Both approaches are effective, as confirmed by statistics from the Third Assault Brigade. It has been established that the force majeure circumstances of wartime prompted Ukrainian artists to resort to techniques atypical for mobilisation posters, such as visual metaphors, allegories, hyperbole, etc. There is a trend towards the sacralisation of the image of the defender, military service, and the army in general, using appropriate iconic compositional techniques, which in theory should increase the self-esteem of the military and encourage them to join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.