Diversity of style in the works of the artist (Naziha Selim)

Abstract

Iraqi art underwent a significant transformation in the second half of the 20th century, seeking to remove established norms, which led to ground-breaking outputs from artists like Naziha Salim. Her work represents a pivotal shift, rooted in two main aspects: the inspiration from cultural heritage and its contemporary application. Salim's art exemplifies beauty through the use of modern techniques, diverse materials, varying styles, and the interplay of lines and space, alongside the strategic use of color masses. This diversity is the cornerstone of this study. The research is structured into four chapters. The first chapter addresses the research problem, stemming from the question: To what extent does the diversity of style manifest in Naziha Salim's works? The aim is to explore this diversity, alongside highlighting the research's significance and scope. The second chapter comprises two sections: the first reviews the multiplicity of styles in modern European art schools, while the second delves into the diversity of styles in contemporary Iraqi painting, particularly focusing on the experiences of various artists, with a special emphasis on Naziha Salim's work. The third chapter outlines the research methodology, detailing the study population, which includes 15 of Salim's artworks. The sample consists of three works, selected and analyzed based on expert recommendations, employing a descriptive analytical approach to meet the study's objectives and derive conclusions. The fourth chapter presents the research findings, such as Salim's reflection of the social environment and the juxtaposition of reality's tragedies, forming a stylistic, intellectual, and nationalistic vision. The conclusions suggest that the artistic scene revolves around the genuine impetus behind creating art and its relationship with environment, history, and the artist’s introspection. Additionally, the chapter includes recommendations and proposals, concluding with images of the analyzed artworks.