PHOTOCOLLAGES IN THE UKRAINIAN MAGAZINE “KINO” FROM 1929–1932 AS A TOOL OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS

Abstract

This article, which is relevant due to the lack of research on the chosen topic, aims to clarify the specifics of photocollages in the magazine «Kino» as a tool of social communication through an analysis of their figurative system, functions, and the design of verbal commentary within the framework of the historical discourse of 1929–1932. To achieve this, methods such as analysis, synthesis, generalization, description, comparison, interpretation, systemic analysis, and discourse analysis were employed. By studying 17 photo collages – documenting themes like industrialization, militarization, the third All-Ukrainian Party Conference, and the successful operation of the Soviet film industry – it was found that these media products served propaganda purposes through diverse means. Notably, the author observed the modeling of the «stranger» image, the emphasis on increasing physical fitness through hyperbolized depictions, the selection of photographs showing readiness for militarization, the positive portrayal of workers supporting industrialization, and the depiction of antagonists – such as authorities and victims. By presenting these images to readers, the magazine «Kino», through its visual content, not only reinforced the ideological codes required by Soviet authorities but also motivated readers to actively participate in socio-political and cultural processes. The article also notes that the use of decorative elements in photo collages significantly declined due to the onset of tight state control over all spheres of life in Ukraine in the late 1920s and the crackdown on formalism. Additionally, contrasting design models for the verbal commentary accompanying photo collages were established.