Marxist representations in the paintings of artist Safaa Al-Sadoun

Abstract

Research Summary:  

Since its emergence as a theory in the former Soviet Union, Marxism has marked an intellectual turning point that has spread to most countries around the world. As a theory that mobilizes societies against tyranny and oppression in all its diversity and social, economic, and political impacts, Marxism later established aesthetic theories that have cast their shadows on culture, art, and literature. It has expanded to encompass all global societies, particularly in poor countries. Marxism and its popular bases (the proletariat and the peasantry) have become a source of challenge and confrontation with its enemies.

In light of the above, the researcher adopted the research problem with the following question: What are the representations of Marxism in the paintings of the artist Safaa Al-Saadoun? The importance of the research lies in its ability to shed light on the concept of Marxism as an ideological, political, and intellectual system in contemporary Iraqi painting. The research also necessitates providing the library with a concept introduced to Iraqi culture, allowing researchers and artists to gain insight into the subject of Marxism. The second chapter consists of the following topics: The first deals with the cognitive concept of Marxism; the second describes Marxism in Iraq and its representation in painting; and the third chapter analyzes the works of the artist Safaa Al-Saadoun, from which the results and conclusions in the fourth chapter are derived:

1- Safaa Al-Saadoun's works are characterized by a central aesthetic construction style (composition), which then transmits its aesthetic influences to all of his works.

2- Some of the conclusions are as follows:

1- Marxist artwork influenced Safaa Al-Saadoun's paintings through its implications and consequences, which express human rights. However, art, through various artistic styles and techniques, expressed this danger in the creative, expressive paintings that the artist employed to support freedom and demand rights.