У статті вперше розглянуто художнє вирішення обкладинок київських часописів (1980-ті й до
теперішнього часу). Проаналізовано час і обставини їхнього виходу в світ, злагоджену роботу
авторського колективу, визначено мету й завдання. Висвітлено важливу роль часописів у
мистецькому й культурно-освітньому житті незалежної України.
During the years of independence the diversity in the opinions on many important issues – the role
of an artist and art in the world, the solution of the crucial contemporary problems, the understanding
of the national characteristics – became particularly acute. This contributed to the revival of some old
journals and creation of many new ones. Unfortunately, today’s typical situation with an extravagant
appearance of the next new edition and its short-term existence is reminiscent of the events that
took place nearly hundred years ago. Numerous periodicals were born at that time and then quickly
disappeared and went into oblivion. Over time, when it turned out that outstanding, though hidden from
public, artists worked on their design and artistically determined the era, many journal covers were
at last evaluated as achievement of Ukrainian art. However, the modern authors of the covers and
the general concept of numerous journals remain on the margins of the artistic process as well. As a
consequence, the question arises: do we really have to wait decades to properly evaluate their high art?
Despite the short age, artistic and other journals added a bright page in the cultural and educational
life of independent Ukraine. They objectively covered the achievements of Ukrainian artists and will
serve as an important material for further research on the history of the Ukrainian art. A skillfully
designed logo accompanied by a well-chosen and composed work of art or its fragment became a
true decoration of contemporary journals.
In this regard, the author of the paper considers the artistic designs of the covers used in Kyiv
journals (from 1980s up to now) and identifies the best masters working in this field. Attention is paid
to the time and circumstances of their release, the coordinated work of the authors and editors, the
purposes and tasks of the editions. The important role of periodicals in the artistic and educational
life of independent Ukraine is highlighted.
