To the Problem of Determining the Geometric Ornament Concept on the Example of Ukrainian Decorative and Applied Arts

Abstract

The purpose of the study is try to outline the variability of understanding the “geometric ornament” concept; determine what are the main differences among this concept interpretations; after conducting an analysis, determine which meaning of the concept is the most logical and scientifically sound. The research methodology involves the use of analysis, comparison, and theoretical generalization methods. Scientific novelty. Emphasis is placed on the differences in researchers’ opinions in the interpretation of the “geometric ornament” concept. The features of geometric ornament are determined, and the difference between different types of ornament is distinguished. An attempt is being made to clarify which ornaments should be attributed to the geometric. Conclusions. The problem of defining the “geometric ornament” concept can be traced in many works of Ukrainian decorative and applied arts, such as carving, carpet weaving, embroidery, and Easter egg decorating. Due to the variability of the means of expression of objects and plots of the surrounding world, there are often differences in the affiliation of the ornament to a particular species. Analyzing the existing classifications of ornaments by different authors, it was found that there is no single classification that would include all existing ornaments. Moreover, the “geometric ornament” has mutually exclusive interpretations. Depending on the position of the form or content, the geometric ornament may include certain combinations of elements or neglect them. As a result, we conclude that the geometric ornament should be considered from the standpoint of the method of transforming figurative forms into correct geometric elements. Therefore, the geometric ornament may include geometrized elements of both visual and non-visual dimensions. In turn, the concept of “geometric ornament” is appropriate to use in the formal analysis of forms, where it is one of the species next to the plastic ornament and a solid spot.