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.