Erbil, Wednesday (May 6, 2026)
Yesterday, Tuesday, Assist. Prof. Dr. Sami Ismail Mustafa delivered a scientific seminar entitled “Phenomenology in Contemporary Art”, shedding light on one of the deepest philosophical concepts that has a direct influence on the understanding and interpretation of contemporary artworks.
During the seminar, it was explained that Phenomenology is the study of experience through consciousness; a search for the hidden truths that lie behind objects and phenomena. It was emphasized that this field is not merely a theoretical framework, but an exploration of the knowledge human beings acquire through the direct experience of things themselves.
In another part of the seminar, Dr. Sami Ismail discussed the definition of the artist and contemporary art, explaining how “perception” and the “subconscious” become two essential axes in the creative process. As a vivid example, attention was drawn to the artworks of Marina Abramović, particularly the project Rhythm 0, in which the artist’s body and the audience’s interaction become integral parts of the artistic phenomenon itself.
The seminar emphasized that true art possesses the ability to reveal truths that have become lost within the chaos of everyday life. Contemporary art, in this context, is not viewed merely as decoration or aesthetic beauty, but as a means of rediscovering the self and the world through sensory and conscious experience.
In conclusion, the seminar addressed the outcomes of this philosophical perspective and highlighted how phenomenology helps both artists and audiences reach the deeper layers of hidden meaning within artistic works.
