Władysław Orkan i Młoda Ukraina – uwagi o modernizmie polskim i ukraińskim

Abstract

The article analyzes the concept of Ukrainian Modernism, and indicates the phases of artistic cooperation between Władysław Orkan and Bohdan Lepky. The Ukrainian novella from 1908, prepared together with Lepky, features works by the most important Ukrainian artists associated with the “Young Muse”. These artists are influenced by modernism, refer to impressionist imagery, symbolism or decadent movement, and implement the postulates of Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy (e.g. Olha Kobylianska). Their work, however, focuses on social issues and national causes, and has a veristic character. Modernism did not develop to the same extent in Ukrainian literature as it did in Western literature. Literary scholars therefore point to the presence of European and Slavic Modernism. Władysław Orkan finds an interesting source of topics in Ukrainian literature and culture, he notices aesthetic, formal and ideological similarities. He appreciates Ukrainian artists such as Bohdan Lepky and Vasyl Stefanyk, Olha Kobylianska for their artistic skill and individual tone.