Persuasive murals in Iran: artistic depictions of violence and war

Abstract

This practice-led research project investigates the socio-political nature of Iranian public art, focusing principally on murals composed after the 1979 Iranian revolution that juxtapose images of artistic beauty with depictions of war and violence. This study will identify the visual design techniques utilised in these murals and explore the interplay of beauty and violence (specifically related to war) as a means of political persuasion. Consequently, the primary objective of this research is to investigate the persuasive power of mural art in Iran by examining how the combination of aesthetically beautiful images containing violent and warlike themes serves to influence public perception and collective consciousness. The project also seeks to bridge existing gaps in scholarly understanding of the complexity of the relationship between artistic appreciation and the socio-political context of Iranian mural art, while engaging directly with the creative process. The project’s creative component will also employ culture jamming design techniques to subvert existing elements of the murals, thereby creating a contrasting art form to generate the opposite effect. To critique the propagandistic function of Iranian mural art, these “remixed” artworks, in stark contrast to their principal themes (for example, concerning the justification and glorification of war), intend to promote social awareness, peace, anti-war sentiment, and democratic ideals. The project utilises a comprehensive methodology that includes aesthetic evaluation through visual analysis techniques such as Gestalt theory. The significance of this investigation lies in its provoking critical reflection and stimulating critical discourse around the socio-political implications of aesthetic representations of violence and war in Iranian mural art. Furthermore, the dialogue between empirical research and creative work, including experimenting with different techniques and visual elements, holds the potential to unlock innovative artistic creations inspired by Iranian mural art.

Date of Thesis submission	2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Western Sydney University
Supervisor	Alex Ling (Supervisor) & Hart Cohen (Supervisor)