Political Iconography in Contemporary Art

Authors : Vildan Işık
Pages : 277-304
Doi:10.26650/sty.2025.1583771
View : 60 | Download : 141
Publication Date : 2025-07-02
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :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.
Keywords : Ai Weiwei, Banksy, Barbara Kruger, Politik ikonografi, Shepard Fairey

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