The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Identifying Instances of the Reflection of Political Action in the Visual Works of Contemporary Artists of Gilan Based on Goffman’s Perspective

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2025.516308.5794
Volume 22, Issue 144
June 2025
Pages 73-84
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Zahra Khosh Naghsh 1
Mohsen Marasy 2

1 M.A. in Art Research, Faculty of Art, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor in Art Research, Faculty of Art, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: Considering the recent social, cultural, and political developments and the emergence of socially engaged art, contemporary art can be seen as a form of social and political action within society. This research aims to recognize and analyze selected works by artists from Gilan that in some way reflect political approaches, seeking to answer the question: Based on Goffman’s perspective, what political approaches are reflected in the works of contemporary Gilanian artists?
Research objective: The goal of this study is to identify examples of the reflection of political approaches as a form of social action in the works of artists from Gilan. The significance of this research lies in the fact that studying the actions of contemporary local artists can generate knowledge about how they interact and engage with their society.
Research method: This research is fundamental in terms of its objective and qualitative in nature, using qualitative content analysis as the main method. Data was collected through a combination of library and field research. To identify instances of Goffman’s political patterns, approximately 266 artworks were selected and examined from among the total works of 13 artists whose work demonstrated political tendencies.
Conclusion: Findings indicate that contemporary artists from Gilan have long played the role of political actors through their works, expressing their own and their audience’s concerns as a reaction to the political conditions of their time. Among the selected works, in addition to reflections on political themes and various individual and collective experiences, elements such as hero-making and the depiction of national figures like Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali are observed. Most of the contemporary Gilan artists studied have acted as artist-citizens, reflecting the political circumstances of Gilan’s historical periods through reciprocal engagement.

Keywords

Political Approach
Contemporary Artists of Gilan
Theory of Reflection
Erving Goffman
Sociology of Art
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