Content of the concept of “ethnic painting”: articulation of the problem

This article analyzes the concept of “ethnic painting”, Russian and Western sources on topic, as well controversial approaches towards its interpretation. It is established that science avoids using painting” to ambiguity content. The most commonly concepts in sphere are “national art”, “ethnocultural manifestations”, “territorial-ethnic nature peculiarities”, distinctness art schools”. In literature, attributed both, folk professional art. Parallel drawn between culture” culture”. research based painting Circassians (Adyghe) Russia Turkey. Using methods comparative studies, typology analysis, explores works contemporary Circassian painters Turkey Russia, revealing specificity universal characteristics their paintings. artists, which meet certain characteristics, should be referred painting”. author describes key attributes functions plastic arts allow classifying it “ethnic”: 1) figurative (visualization mythological epic heroes plotlines, ritual common culture); 2) translation ethnic mental values; 3) design identity solidarity by means painting; 4) introduction not only elite, but other social classes well; 5) usage public instruments for proliferation popularization through education enlightenment; 6) comprehension a crucial element national art; 7) development various contaminants (ethnocultural content modernist form or technique; modern traditional genre form).