Ukrainian war graffiti

english

2025

volume 57, issue 2

communication   graffiti   message   murals   sign   social meanings   social semantics   symbol   Ukrainian resistance   urban world   wall paintings

Slovensko filozofsko društvo
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

The proposed article examines graffiti related to the war in Ukraine. Based on a socio-philosophical perspective, the author explores graffiti as a socio-cultural phenomenon and sets out to explore the following research questions: How has graffiti gained visibility and interest among the general public in Ukraine (beyond subcultural communities)? and How has graffiti’s symbolic communication evolved in response to wartime circumstances? The study includes a general overview of murals and graffiti in Ukrainian public spaces over the past decades.The research is based on practical cases that illustrate the transformation of symbolic interactions such as expressions of solidarity, protest, revenge, and identity. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of graffiti through illegal activity and the preservation of cultural heritage, spontaneous self-expression and regulation, and the role of government in the development and legalization of graffiti.

07.07.2026