Socio-Educational Impact of Ukraine War Murals: Jasień Railway Station Gallery

Abstract

Exploring the role of public art in conveying complex socio-political messages, this article investigates the multifaceted socio-educational impact of 32 murals representing the war in Ukraine, located in Jasień Railway Station, Gdansk, Poland. Employing an interdisciplinary research approach, the study combines critical theory and visual communication methodologies to uncover the deeper messages conveyed by these thought-provoking murals. The analysis encompasses six diverse perspectives—historical, personal, ethical, cultural, technical, and critical—leading to the identification of six distinct mural categories: (1) resistance and hope, (2) family and courage, (3) suffering and death, (4) torturers and the oppressed, (5) animals, and (6) idyllic. The study underscores the significance of murals as a public art form for symbolically communicating social, cultural, and political events while introducing novel interpretations and expanding visual communication possibilities. Furthermore, this research demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary approaches in exploring the intricate relationships between public art and the messages they convey, showcasing their capacity to shape public opinion and foster dialogue.

Murals and Graffiti in Ruins: What Does the Art from the Aliko Hotel on Naxos Tell Us?

“…In this context, references to Tolkien's narratives resonate, embodying the perpetual struggle between good and evil, akin to the enduring combat in many places around the The interconnected murals do not merely reflect the artists' engagement with popular and mythical narratives but also weave a commentary on contemporary socio-political events (Waldner and Dobratz 2013). They serve as spaces for examining the intertwined narratives of cultural identity, mythic echoes, and commentary on current events like wars (Perzycka-Borowska et al 2023).…”

“…The clenched mouth and eyes fixed on a single point give the impression that it is about to attack. The Russian invasion of Ukraine gives the graffiti a new meaning (Perzycka-Borowska et al 2023;Leahy 2024). The term "orcs" has become attached to Russian soldiers, emphasising their brutality and mindless obedience to orders.…”

“…Our goal is to understand the complex processes of creating murals and graffiti and their impact on communities and urban spaces. This study fits into a broader discourse on the role of public art in shaping urban space and its significance for social well-being and identity, as presented by Perzycka-Borowska et al (2023). Through the application of interdisciplinary methods and diverse theoretical perspectives, we aim to investigate how street art can serve as a catalyst for social and cultural changes in urban environments.…”

“…The significance of street art and graffiti in redefining urban spaces is reflected in the broader context of sociocultural processes, offering promising theoretical and practical development perspectives for understanding the transformative power of public images in urban environments (Irvine 2012;Ospishcheva-Pavlyshyn 2021;Perzycka-Borowska et al 2023).…”