Araştırma Makalesi

Political Iconography in Contemporary Art

Sayı: 34 2 Temmuz 2025
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Political Iconography in Contemporary Art

Öz

In a contemporary society characterised by fragmentation and complexity, political iconography has re-emerged as a potent tool for challenging authority and exploring themes of identity and dissent. This study examines the ways in which artists such as Banksy, Barbara Kruger, Ai Weiwei, and Shepard Fairey employ iconography not merely as a vehicle for conveying imagery but also as a transformative language of resistance. These artists use physical and digital spaces to amplify sociopolitical tensions, embedding complex messages within symbols. This approach encourages audiences to confront the underlying power structures and collective identities. While political iconography is often associated with the concepts of power, authority, rebellion, and propaganda, theoretical approaches to iconography frequently focus on its structural principles rather than its role within political ideologies, state control, or activist art. This study aims to address this lacuna by examining how visual symbols function within the frameworks of oppression and resistance, thereby revealing their role as instruments of ideological negotiation. By employing a targeted approach that combines case studies and visual analysis of four artists with distinct approaches, this research demonstrates that visual symbols are not merely aesthetic; rather, they serve as influential agents within the collective consciousness. The findings indicate that this evolving visual lexicon not only reflects contemporary issues but also serves as a catalyst for public engagement, thereby blurring the boundaries between observer and participant. By analysing the strategic use of symbols in visual activism, this study contributes to an understanding of iconography as an essential element of modern resistance and examines the potential of non-verbal critique in the digital age.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Kaynakça

  1. Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore. “Ai Weiwei - La Commedia Umana / Memento mori.” August 4, 2022. Accessed 5 November 2024. https:// www.abbaziasangiorgio.it/2022/08/04/ai-weiwei-la-commedia-umana-memento-mori/. google scholar
  2. Agustin, Kristian Jeff Cortez, and WendY Wing Lam Chan. “Understanding social critique in graffiti art from a (Non-)Western perspective: Chinese students comparing BanksY and Zato through photo-elicitation.” Visual Studies 37, no. 4 (2022): 378-93. https://doi.org/ 10.1080/1472586X.2022.2046497. google scholar
  3. Ai Weiwei Studio, “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads,” Accessed 4 November 2024, https://www.aiweiwei.com/zodiac. google scholar
  4. Al Farisi, Salman. “BanksY: The Paradox of Fame and AnonYmitY.” Calxylian, 15 November 2023. . google scholar
  5. Allen, Emma. “Ai Weiwei Is Not Afraid.” The New Yorker, 26 April 2012. . google scholar
  6. Arslan, Rengin. “NusaYbin’den Tate Modern’e: Zehra Doğan’ın hikaYesi.” Euronews. 17 MaY 2019. https://tr.euronews.com/2019/05/17/ nusaYbin-den-tate-modern-e-zehra-doganin-hikaYesi. google scholar
  7. Artishock. “Who Will Write the HistorY of Tears. Artists on Women’s Rights.” 19 December 2021. https://artishockrevista.com/2021/12/ 19/who-will-write-the-historY-of-tears-artists-on-womens-rights/. google scholar
  8. Artfix DailY. “Barbara Kruger Has Some Big ‘Questions’ Popping Up Around L.A. During the Frieze Week.” 13 FebruarY 2020. . google scholar

Ayrıntılar

Birincil Dil

İngilizce

Konular

Görsel Kültür, Sanat Tarihi

Bölüm

Araştırma Makalesi

Yayımlanma Tarihi

2 Temmuz 2025

Gönderilme Tarihi

12 Kasım 2024

Kabul Tarihi

28 Nisan 2025

Yayımlandığı Sayı

Yıl 2025 Sayı: 34

Kaynak Göster

APA
Işık, V. (2025). Political Iconography in Contemporary Art. Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı, 34, 277-304. https://doi.org/10.26650/sty.2025.1583771
AMA
1.Işık V. Political Iconography in Contemporary Art. Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı. 2025;(34):277-304. doi:10.26650/sty.2025.1583771
Chicago
Işık, Vildan. 2025. “Political Iconography in Contemporary Art”. Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı, sy 34: 277-304. https://doi.org/10.26650/sty.2025.1583771.
EndNote
Işık V (01 Temmuz 2025) Political Iconography in Contemporary Art. Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı 34 277–304.
IEEE
[1]V. Işık, “Political Iconography in Contemporary Art”, Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı, sy 34, ss. 277–304, Tem. 2025, doi: 10.26650/sty.2025.1583771.
ISNAD
Işık, Vildan. “Political Iconography in Contemporary Art”. Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı. 34 (01 Temmuz 2025): 277-304. https://doi.org/10.26650/sty.2025.1583771.
JAMA
1.Işık V. Political Iconography in Contemporary Art. Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı. 2025;:277–304.
MLA
Işık, Vildan. “Political Iconography in Contemporary Art”. Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı, sy 34, Temmuz 2025, ss. 277-04, doi:10.26650/sty.2025.1583771.
Vancouver
1.Vildan Işık. Political Iconography in Contemporary Art. Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı. 01 Temmuz 2025;(34):277-304. doi:10.26650/sty.2025.1583771