Visual analysis of Sasanian mythological motifs and its appearance in Iranian graphics (poster design)

Dissertation for Master's degree

Visual communication field

Abstract

This research is descriptive-analytical and collects information through library and field methods. One of the main elements of graphic design is the use of rich historical motifs, which can be effective in conceptually as well as expressing the identity of the artwork. Studies have shown that ethno-national art is an expression of their emotions, feelings, beliefs and thoughts. Perhaps we can say that there are few works of art created by artists in different periods of human history and civilization that do not somehow express the beliefs and beliefs of their creator. The studies conducted in the field of archeology and art of the Sassanid period are an example of the above statements. Therefore, in using these motifs, the artist must have inner meanings. Understand them correctly and then use them in today's graphics in accordance with the topic and in the right place, not just for beauty and visual appeal. This causes a deep and effective communication by the audience, so if we consider the issue of identity as essential for graphic art, one of the most important methods to achieve this goal is the correct use of these resources. According to the conducted research, it can be concluded that religious aspects have been influential in the formation of these motifs, so that the images of animals that were a part of Zoroastrian gods also appeared in their works of art. On the artworks of this period, the mythological motifs of Simorgh, winged horse, lion are more important than other imaginary creatures. And the posters designed in the last few decades show that Sassanid mythological motifs are mostly used for issues such as festivals and cultural art exhibitions. Also, the Simorgh motif has been the focus of designers more than other motifs. Key words: Sassanid mythological motifs, identity, motifs, Simorgh, graphics.

Chapter One

Research Overview

1-1-Problem Definition

Undoubtedly, the Iranian graphic designer in his historical cultural field is the inheritor of a huge capital of motifs, these motifs create a huge building of visual ethnic memory for us in all eras. If we consider the issue of identity as essential for the art of our land, one of the most important solutions for success in this matter is the correct use of these treasures. And since Sasanian art has a significant share of that great identity, for the continuation or evolution of this success, a methodical analysis and research is needed. Therefore, the present research with the title of visual analysis of the role of Sasanian mythological motifs and its appearance in Iranian graphics (poster design) has been carried out with the aim of developing identity in graphic works.  

1-2- Necessity and importance of research

The works left in Iran contain mythological beliefs and religious and cultural thoughts. Perhaps it can be said that the most documented documents for the reconstruction of beliefs and beliefs are the works left over from that period, which sometimes have reached us with minimal changes. A brief overview of the artworks of the Sassanid period indicates that the artists of that era created various messages in the form of various scenes for the audiences who used their creations.

Seals, reliefs, coins, fabrics or plasters. The remnants of that era all convey a special message to the audience in a wide range of political, social, religious, mythological and other concepts. can be checked. Our knowledge and awareness of the past societies is to a certain extent dependent on the detailed examination and reinterpretation of the concepts that have been manifested in the form of various scenes on the artworks of this period, therefore, in this research, all efforts are made to examine Sassanid mythological motifs and collect mythological beliefs to be able to present a set of motifs in today's graphic application. Iranians and non-Iranians who are displayed on their works have been discussed.

1-3- Research questions

1- What myths are Sassanid motifs based on?

2- Which animals are used in Sassanid motifs?

3- In the formation of Sasanian motifs, were religious genies influential?

4- How can motifs related to the past be used? Was it used in today's graphics and did it not become obsolete? 5- In what context are Sassanid mythological motifs used more in today's Iranian graphics? 6- What advantages does the use of Sassanid mythological motifs have for today's Iranian graphic identity? 1-4- Hypothesis 1- It seems that the visual aspects of mythical birds Sassanid has influenced contemporary graphics more than other motifs of this period.

2- It seems that by using Sassanid motifs, graphics with national identity, audience-friendly and effective can be achieved.

1-5 main and secondary objectives

The main goal: to examine Sassanid motifs and their importance in introducing Iranian identity in poster design and also to examine the relationship between The concept of Iranian motifs and how to understand and understand it by the audience.

Sub-goal: Using the obtained results to design a poster with creative, lasting and related features.

1-6- Research method - Information collection method

Research method based on nature: descriptive-analytical

The method of collecting materials from library, internet and field sources (observing works and objects). Finally, this thesis is prepared based on the extraction of materials from past researches.

1-7-Research application

This thesis examines the creatures of ancient Sassanid mythology and also the role of these creatures in works and objects in 4 chapters. Since time immemorial, artists have depicted people's imaginations from their fantasy world. Imaginary creatures, which are a reflection of the positive and negative perceptions of humans about themselves and the surrounding world, are represented in various forms. It is hoped that according to the progress of the thesis in collecting and introducing the mythological motifs of this period and presenting practical examples in today's graphics, it will add a useful collection to the literature of the field. Fred can be a good resource for graphic designers. In the recent decades, the research on the motifs of this period has attracted the attention of various academic and scientific fields, and due to the importance of the subject, many theses, articles and books have been written in the field of Sasanian motifs, which are briefly mentioned. By reviewing the related theses and articles, we come up with a few topics related to the influence of Sassanid mythological motifs on Iranian graphics. Therefore, this necessity was felt to add a useful collection to the literature of this field by analyzing and researching the mythological motifs of this period. It is hoped to be able to help the category of identification in poster design with the collected information.

Dissertations

1- Reza Jahanfard, examination of symbol elements in Sassanid reliefs, and its impact on modern Iranian graphics, Master of Visual Communication, Tehran University of Art, 1375.

2- Ahmad Montazeri, examination of religious symbols in Sassanid reliefs, Master of Painting University Art of Tehran, 1378.

3- Maryam Rezaei, study of mythological motifs in Sassanid period seals, Master of Archeology Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, fall 1990.

4- Narges Qudousi, why and how to use traditional motifs in contemporary graphics, Master of Visual Communication, Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, 1388.

5- Marzieh Pirizi, the role of cultural beliefs Sassanid in fabric design of this course, master's degree, art research, Azad University, Tehran branch, 2013.

6- Rodia Bani, origin of fictional creatures motifs in the art of Sassanid era, master's degree in handicrafts, Tehran University of Art, Shahrivar 1386.

7- Zohreh Abbasi Shahrashtani, archaeological investigation of animal motifs, in Sassanid seals of the collection (Niri) of the National Museum, master's degree in art research, university of art Tehran, 1390.

8- Iman Zakariai Kermani, study of mythological motifs in Sasanian textiles, Master of Art Research, Tehran University of Art, 1385.