City Murals as a Form of Information Resistance to Russian Aggression

The images on the buildings' facades and fences are easy to remember, and they have a positive impact on the environment. Murals are a communication channel between city residents, artists, and authorities and reflect the city's identity through the prism of the information space. However, during Russia's military aggression period against Ukraine, there is a transformation of values that can be traced in the murals of Ukraine and the world. That is why we consider murals to be a powerful information weapon. Scholars tend to believe that murals are a provocative art form, as they can unobtrusively influence citizens. However, there is little research on murals as a factor of resistance in the city's information space.

The article examines the definition of "mural", considers its positive and negative functions, reviews popular murals that have a detrimental effect on urban residents, and analyses the feasibility of placing murals in the information space. It is proven that high-quality murals, which are markers of symbolism, aesthetic appeal, and creative and patriotic ideas, enliven the information space of the city, contributing to aestheticisation, diversification of typical buildings, attracting tourists, starting a business, and improving the quality of life of citizens.

The author substantiates the idea that today murals are the "voice" of resistance in the information space of the city, as the events of the war have become a factor in the ideological changes of street art. The murals that we have been seeing since the beginning of the full-scale invasion call for freedom, victory, and support for the morale of Ukrainians; the heroes depicted are symbols of resilience and indestructibility. Such murals are spreading around the world; each mural is unique and has a deep meaning, which is realised through the images in blue and yellow colours.

It is concluded that murals are a powerful tool for influencing local residents. They can revitalize and improve the information space of the city, emphasise its features, and contribute to the prospective development of the territories. Currently, murals are ideological symbols of indestructibility, peace, and freedom; they contribute to raising the patriotic spirit of Ukrainians and promoting Ukrainian art.