Changing the Meaning in the Discourse of Contemporary Iranian Calligraphy from the Perspective of Critical Discourse Analysis

AbstractIranian Islamic calligraphy, which has the support of divine theology, cultural heritage, wisdom, mysticism, and literature, has changed its meaning in the face of modernism and rival discourses in transmitting meaning among social actors, especially contemporary artists with calligraphic tendencies. In some cases, it has been separated from its function and dignity and has become a trivial and vulgar element. This study seeks to find important and influential factors affecting and changing the meaning. Protecting the concepts and high values of calligraphy as an element emanating from the heart of Islamic civilization with a multidimensional critical discourse analysis approach indicates this research’s necessity. Statistical Society based on the objectives of this study, we selected well-known artists employing Islamic calligraphy style. Therefore, it seems that one of the most important factors in addition to modernism is the commercialization of some of these works for sale in art markets. It is assumed that the flourishing of art markets in the region and applying the views of foreign art theorists in changing the meaning of calligraphy towards foreign goals is not ineffective.This study aims to use post-colonial studies, especially the Resistance element. This research utilizes the critical discourse analysis method.The results show that as much as society and artists distance themselves from customary and religious values and traditions and are superficial, they will stay away from understanding the meaning of Islamic calligraphy, which is the product of Islamic discourse will be subject to sales markets.