Abstract
The purpose of this research is to explore the fields of modernism and examine the factors that shaped modern visual art in Iran and Turkey. It also aims to analyze the formal elements and structures of artworks by focusing on the use of traditional elements by modern Iranian and Turkish painters, thereby defining their works on the world stage. To achieve this goal, the Saqakhaneh movement, the most important and relatively consistent trend in modern art, has been selected. The artworks of artists known as the D Group in Turkey and their influence on the formation of contemporary art are also being examined.
Iran’s modernist art has been influenced by developments in Western art. After initially emulating Western modern art, Iranian artists have attempted to create modern art with an Iranian identity. The Saqakhaneh movement, which is presented in the form of an art school and continues to play a significant role in the formation of contemporary Iranian art, was the first movement that made extensive use of traditional Iranian elements, particularly those derived from calligraphy, starting from the 1920s. This research will discuss the role of calligraphy in the creation of this artistic flow and its interaction with contemporary art.
Methodology
This research, based on a discourse analysis approach, aims to examine the discourses created and existing in the field of art with an emphasis on calligraphy. It endeavors to read the future direction of this art from a conclusive and practical perspective. Discourse analysis is an approach that focuses on the analysis of text, sound, or linguistic signs and significant markers surrounding an event. The purpose of this research is not to evaluate the technical value of calligraphic works but to examine these works as texts and analyze how the signifier functions within them.
EASTERN CALLIGRAPHY
Art has always sought to establish a connection with its audience in order to convey its intended message and meaning. Calligraphy, one of the original arts in which the message is conveyed through its constituent elements (form, motif, color, etc.), is no exception to this rule. In the realm of Islamic art, calligraphy is the focus of decorative and sometimes functional use in various domains.
Opening” chapter of the Qur’an, Sūrat al-Fātiha, in Nasta‘liq script. National Museum of Iran
A Historical Perspective on Calligraphy
From a historical standpoint and through a geographical survey, it is evident that the presence of Islam in what is now referred to as the Middle East, as well as the conquests carried out under the banner of Islam by the Ottoman Empire, has made the roots and works of calligraphy prominently visible in this region. This art form can be found in various regions including Iran, Arab countries, and Turkey.
Album of Alphabetical Exercises (Murakkabat) by Mehmed Shevki
Calligraphy In Turkey; A Tradition Preserved
It can be said that calligraphy in Turkey has upheld its connection to tradition more persistently compared to other regions. Over time, it has even evolved into a classical form of art, preserving a traditional appearance. In this art, the religious roots are stronger, and the form adheres to established standards. It is closer to classical aesthetics.
Calligraphy: Thuluth ScriptCalligrapher: Davut Bektaş
The Evolution of Calligraphy in Arabic-Speaking Countries
Until the last decade, calligraphy in Arabic-speaking countries had often been approached in a traditional and ideological manner, largely confined to religious contexts and local media. However, significant economic developments have emerged in the Arab world, especially in the Gulf states, in parallel with the globalization trend. In this context, calligraphy has made substantial progress in both its functional scope and formal developments in the past ten years.
Fine Art, Giclée Prints by Majid Alyusef
Street Art by El Seed, London 2015
Future Museum by Shaun Killa, Dubai
The Historical Development of This Art in Iran
The course of developments in the region of Iran, which played a crucial role in the emergence of this art, has taken a distinct trajectory. Iran, the birthplace of many traditional Islamic arts, has been host to various political ideologies throughout its history, which has, in turn, influenced this art at different periods. In Iran, calligraphy often carries a religious theme.
Folio of calligraphy signed by Mir Emad Hasani.
Poem in Nasta‘liq script, ca. 1610. Art and History Collection LTS1995.2.10
The Saqaqhana School in Iran: A New Era in Calligraphy
In the 1950s, the Saqaqhana movement in Iran initiated a fresh wave of artistic exploration in this field. With an approach that bore some resemblance to the Western Pop Art movement, the works left behind by artists of this movement displayed expressions of change in form and content within the use of traditional art, including calligraphy. This movement not only played a significant role in the development of calligraphy but also had a noteworthy influence on the formation of modern thought in the creation of visual works that followed.
Faramarz Pilaram, Paris
D Group, The First Steps of Modernization in Turkey
The initial strides towards modernization in Turkey were taken during the Ottoman Empire, and this process, known by historians as “Westernization,” truly began with the implementation of the Tanzimat Era reforms. The modernization initiated with Tanzimat, in its true historical sense, represents a significant turning point in Turkish Painting Art’s modernist transformation, just as it symbolizes a historical transformation. Artists such as Zeki Faik İzer, Zühdü Müridoğlu, and Cemal Tollu, who returned to the country from abroad with these sentiments and impressions, recognized that the spirit of the time was no longer in favor of the academic approach.
D Group, Turkey
Research Questions:
- Why is it necessary for art to globalize, and how can it be globalized?
- Where can we find the origins and characteristics of modern calligraphy?
- What is the connection between modern calligraphy and line art?
- Why Globalize Art and How to Achieve It: Globalizing art is important because it allows for a more inclusive and diverse understanding of art across cultures. It promotes cultural exchange and enriches artistic perspectives. Art can be globalized through various means, including international exhibitions, art fairs, digital platforms, and collaborations between artists from different regions. The key is to foster an open-minded approach that appreciates the diversity of artistic expression.
- Origins and Characteristics of Modern Calligraphy: The roots of modern calligraphy can be traced back to traditional calligraphy, but it diverges by sometimes breaking away from traditional rules, addressing contemporary subjects, and incorporating different artistic techniques. Modern calligraphy may employ a unique approach to traditional writing styles and forms while also embracing contemporary and experimental elements.
- Connection Between Modern Calligraphy and Line Art: The connection between modern calligraphy and line art lies in their shared reliance on linear expression. Both are art forms where lines, shapes, and composition play a significant role. Modern calligraphy may exhibit a contemporary twist on traditional calligraphy, making it closely related to line art. Some modern calligraphic works may even resemble abstract or symbolic line art.
Conclusion
In the field of teaching modern calligraphy, the absence of a standardized teaching method and the limited presence of this art in academic institutions and schools is somewhat natural because schools and universities serve as established platforms for traditional art supply and education. Throughout art history, they have been somewhat distant from modern art. On the other hand, the defining characteristics of new art are abundance, diversity, and creativity. It should be acknowledged, however, that even in the realm of traditional calligraphy, which has its unique principles and rules, there has been a limited occurrence of scholarly critique. At the same time, those familiar with color and composition may notice the differences in modern calligraphic works in the art form of calligraphy.
The journey of calligraphy, particularly modern calligraphy, is an intricate and evolving one. While it has gained global recognition to some extent in recent times, its path towards widespread academic acceptance and formalized teaching methods has been less straightforward. Traditional calligraphy, deeply rooted in culture and history, has maintained its distinct principles and rules, which may have contributed to the challenges of subjecting it to rigorous scholarly critique.
In an educational context, the absence of a standardized teaching method for modern calligraphy is not surprising, given that educational institutions typically emphasize traditional art forms. However, as the art world continues to evolve, embracing diversity, abundance, and creativity, there is room for modern calligraphy to flourish and expand its presence in academic settings.
Artists and enthusiasts familiar with color and composition can readily discern the distinctions among modern calligraphic works. These differences are reflective of the evolving nature of calligraphy as it engages with contemporary art. In the end, the trajectory of modern calligraphy is shaped by its ability to bridge the traditional and the innovative, all while celebrating the art form’s rich heritage and paving the way for new, creative expressions.
