The Need for Demonstrable Knowledge of the Origins of National Culture on the Example of Vasyl Krychevsky's Design Projects

The aim of the study. In the terrible times of the Russian invasion, which aims to erase the existence of the Ukrainian state even in a theoretical aspect, the issue of national Ukrainian identity comes to the fore with ultimate certainty. The enemy with inhuman cruelty not only kills peaceful Ukrainians, bombs cities and villages, but also tries to destroy cultural assets by destroying museums, schools, and cultural institutions. Only a deep knowledge of the origins of one’s national culture, their research, rethinking and transformation into the latest ideas in art, design and architecture can bring a modern Ukrainian artist to the heights of patriotic consciousness and a worthy level of artistic contribution. A look at the creative and life path of V. Krychevsky becomes evidence of the need to study the roots of national culture in the field of architecture, design of spaces and objects of graphic design of ornament, form-making on the example of his research in these areas. Research methods. Art history analysis of existing materials related to V. Krychevskyi and the application of research results for the understanding of modernity. Scientific novelty. This edition is a synthesis of biographical information about the artist with the personal impressions of the authors of the article from communication with people who were in direct contact with V. Krychevsky at work and in everyday life. The article also gives a holistic view of the combination of three directions of intellectual work in the personality of V. Krychevsky: research, artistic design, and scientific. It is such a synthesis of knowledge, skills and worldview stability that withstands the test of socio-political cataclysms, which gives an opportunity to show talent and create significant projects for the development of Ukrainian identity. Conclusions. As a result of the full-scale invasion of Russia, the idea of the need to create cultural products on a national basis, including design sphere, became more relevant than ever during the independence of Ukraine. This issue has been constantly raised in scientific and popular publications, as well as in individual projects, but not so massively and not so consciously aware of the depth of the need for knowledge about national heritage and such an approach in one’s creativity. The life story of V. Krychevsky is proof of the spiral development of history and the need to know the roots of the national code for a reasoned position about one’s own culture, statehood and will for the whole world. The artist’s creative and life path, the core of which was confidence in the necessity of knowledge of one’s cultural and historical origins and the implementation of these principles, is an extremely relevant example for artists and ordinary citizens in our difficult time, when imperial Russia is trying to destroy Ukrainian identity.