Escapism and aesthetic experience: Kyiv’s botanical gardens on social media during the war

Abstract

Dynamic technological development is leading to the emergence of an increasing amount of visual and audiovisual content in virtual space. The media products, which are diverse not only in form but also in content, require both applied, in particular marketing, research and scientific analysis, which determines the relevance of the publication. By exploring digital culture, one can discuss the motivation of content creators, their way of reflecting their own aesthetic experience in ‘places of power’ and recovering from the exhausting conditions of military reality. Productive escapist practices were studied using such empirical and applied methods as analysis, comparison, analogy, generalisation, and observation. Along with this, certain hypotheses are put forward and promising areas and segments are outlined for further study.

By combining research tools and, ultimately, own audiovisual practices in new media, we have obtained results that reflect the multidisciplinary nature of the article. It is emphasized that the aspiration for temporary escape from reality is psychological in nature, as are the perception of beauty and the tendency to seek aesthetic experiences. These combinations are particularly relevant during wartime as, in addition to relaxing themselves, bloggers broadcast what they see on digital platforms, where, among other things, they evoke joy and nostalgia in Ukrainians who have been forced to migrate abroad. The paper examines visual and audiovisual practices common on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Narrative materials and ones posted with music also return authors and recipients to positive emotional states, which were more common before the full-scale invasion. External perspectives on the issue are also taken into account, rather through the lens of reflective than aesthetic experiences of Polish travel bloggers.

Conclusions highlight the importance of visual and audiovisual content and digital space for supporting mental well-being under conditions of physical and psychological threats.