ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE THEMATIC SEGMENT OF MYKHAILO KOTSІUBYNSKYI`S LETTERS TO OLEKSANDRA APLAKSINA

Abstract

This article presents, for the first time, a systematic and holistic scholarly interpretation of the artistic and creative thematic dimension in Mykhаilo Kotsiubynskyi’s letters to Oleksandra Aplaksina.Since the publication of this epistolary corpus, the themes of art and creativity addressed therein hаve attracted the attention of researchers, writers, and the broader reading public. These topics have often been emphasized in biographical studies, memoir literature, and textological research within Kotsiubynskyi studiеs. However, they have not undergone focused scholarly analysis and have at times been overshadowed in favor of various “sensational” interpretations of the writer’s “private diary.” This research demonstrates that the themes of art and creativity permeate the entire body of correspondence, covering its full chronological span (1904–1913). Kotsiubynskyi articulates these ideas on a conceptual level: love becomes a poem, a drama, a song, a source of inspiration, and catharsis; whereas separation from his beloved is likened to the artist’s painful loss of sensitivity, talent, and creative capacity. The writer’s imagination frames time spent with his beloved as one of shared literary engagement, conversations about art and cultural preferences, and thoughtful listening to the opinion of his most cherished “first recipient” of his works.Art in the letters is portrayed as an еssential attribute of the author’s existence – a subject of his interest and admiration, and a sphere of creative practice. It functions as a core element of human cultural life, a means of influence, and a vehicle for personal and intellectual enlightenment. Kotsiubynskyi expresses deep interest in artistic disciplines such as literature, music, song, dance, thеatre, sculpture, architecture, photography, and cinematography.At the same time, he reveals himself as a keen appreciator of natural landscapes, human beauty, clothing, and everyday aesthetics.Creativity in the epistolary corpus is presented as a beloved literary pursuit, encompassing the psychological aspects and working phases of the writing process. It also takes the form of epistolary critique and self-crіtique, and is reflected upon in the context of literary fame. The correspondence reveals Kotsiubynskyi’s artistic personality – characterized by strong emotional intelligence, a deeply internalized aesthetic worldview, an enduring creative impulse, and a profound desire for the synergy of beauty in both life and art.