Sufi aesthetics and semiotics: reflections of Mevlana's Philosophy in the art of Mutluhan Taş

Year 2024, Volume: 5 Issue: Special Issue: Mevlana's Philosophy and Art, 109 - 124

Nurdan Çolpan , Ali Ertuğrul Küpeli

Abstract

journey and quest for closeness to God. This understanding has profoundly influenced many artists throughout history who view art as a means of attaining truth. The symbolic language of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, along with concepts such as love and "wahdat al-wujud" (the unity of being), has been pivotal in transforming Sufism into an aesthetic form. This study explores the impact of Mevlana’s philosophy on modern art and its reflections in the works of artist Mutluhan Taş, thereby uncovering the place of Sufi aesthetics in contemporary art. Adopting a semiotic approach, the study seeks to analyze the meanings of symbolic expressions in art associated with Sufism. This article endeavors to illustrate the influence of Mevlana's Sufi philosophy on Mutluhan Taş's artworks and to reveal the role of Sufi thought in modern art. The research employs a qualitative methodology structured within the framework of semiotic analysis. Based on the theoretical foundations of Mevlevi and Sufi thought, it examines the symbols used in artistic works and their spiritual messages. Selected works by Mutluhan Taş, particularly those featuring Sufi symbols and metaphysical dimensions, such as "Fana Fillah" and "Post Sema-i," are analyzed in detail for their visual representation of Sufi philosophy. The artworks are examined through semiotic analysis, evaluating the Sufi meanings of the symbols and their effects on the viewer and exploring how Sufi aesthetics integrate with contemporary art practices. In Mutluhan Taş's works, Mevlana's philosophy, combined with fundamental Sufi themes such as love, unity, and existence, imbues a metaphysical dimension. The symbols in these works stand out as metaphors reflecting an individual's inner journey and effort to reach divine truth. This study sheds light on the relationship between Sufi aesthetics and contemporary art, contributing to understanding how modern artists interpret Sufi philosophy. It is suggested that future research could examine the reflections of Sufi aesthetics in other artistic disciplines.

Keywords

Mevlana, Mutluhan Taş, Semiotics, Sufi aesthetics

Ethical Statement

Ethical guidelines were adhered to throughout the research process, and the consent of all artists was obtained. The documents used were selected from publicly available materials shared by the artist. Care was taken to avoid manipulation or misrepresentation. In the study, Mutluhan Taş's works, such as Tek Nefeste Aşk (Love in One Breath) and Post Sema, have been analyzed. These works stand out as art pieces that express the philosophy of Mevlana in a symbolic language. The reason for selecting the artist is that the symbolic expression in his works is directly related to Sufi values.

Sufi aesthetics and semiotics: reflections of Mevlana's Philosophy in the art of Mutluhan Taş

Abstract

Sufism is a profound philosophical and spiritual approach centered on an individual's inner journey and quest for closeness to God. This understanding has profoundly influenced many artists throughout history who view art as a means of attaining truth. The symbolic language of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, along with concepts such as love and "wahdat al-wujud" (the unity of being), has been pivotal in transforming Sufism into an aesthetic form. This study explores the impact of Mevlana’s philosophy on modern art and its reflections in the works of artist Mutluhan Taş, thereby uncovering the place of Sufi aesthetics in contemporary art. Adopting a semiotic approach, the study seeks to analyze the meanings of symbolic expressions in art associated with Sufism. This article endeavors to illustrate the influence of Mevlana's Sufi philosophy on Mutluhan Taş's artworks and to reveal the role of Sufi thought in modern art. The research employs a qualitative methodology structured within the framework of semiotic analysis. Based on the theoretical foundations of Mevlevi and Sufi thought, it examines the symbols used in artistic works and their spiritual messages. Selected works by Mutluhan Taş, particularly those featuring Sufi symbols and metaphysical dimensions, such as "Fana Fillah" and "Post Sema-i," are analyzed in detail for their visual representation of Sufi philosophy. The artworks are examined through semiotic analysis, evaluating the Sufi meanings of the symbols and their effects on the viewer and exploring how Sufi aesthetics integrate with contemporary art practices. In Mutluhan Taş's works, Mevlana's philosophy, combined with fundamental Sufi themes such as love, unity, and existence, imbues a metaphysical dimension. The symbols in these works stand out as metaphors reflecting an individual's inner journey and effort to reach divine truth. This study sheds light on the relationship between Sufi aesthetics and contemporary art, contributing to understanding how modern artists interpret Sufi philosophy. It is suggested that future research could examine the reflections of Sufi aesthetics in other artistic disciplines.

Keywords

Mevlana, Mutluhan Taş, Semiotics, Sufi aesthetics

Ethical Statement

Ethical guidelines were adhered to throughout the research process, and the consent of all artists was obtained. The documents used were selected from publicly available materials shared by the artist. Care was taken to avoid manipulation or misrepresentation. In the study, Mutluhan Taş's works, such as Tek Nefeste Aşk (Love in One Breath) and Post Sema, have been analyzed. These works stand out as art pieces that express the philosophy of Mevlana in a symbolic language. The reason for selecting the artist is that the symbolic expression in his works is directly related to Sufi values.

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• Visual Bibliography Figure 1. Mutluhan Taş, Love in a Single Breath Series, “Fana Fillah” (2004). Artist's private collection.
• Figure 2. Mutluhan Taş, Love in a Single Breath Series, “Post Sema-ı” (2004). Artist's private collection.
• Figure 3. Mutluhan Taş, Masnavi Stories Series, “The Collar” (2005). Artist's private collection.
• Figure 4. Mutluhan Taş, Masnavi Stories Series, “If You Have a Goal, You Exist