Acceptance of an Article by Ardabil Artist Navid Achgan at the 20th International Conference on Language, Literature, Culture, and History in Georgia, 2024

The 20th International Conference on Language, Literature, Culture, and History will be held on November 8, 2024 (18 Aban 1403) in Georgia, featuring multiple specialized sessions, keynote speeches, paper presentations, academic workshops, and scholarly discussions. The event is organized by the International Organization for Academic Studies, in collaboration with participating universities and research institutions from various countries.

An article by the Ardabil artist Navid Achgan, titled “A Critical Study of Formalism in Contemporary Iranian Art with a Focus on National Identity,” has been fully accepted for presentation at this international conference.

In his remarks, Achgan discussed the role of media in shaping and transforming identity, stating:

“Today, the media’s influence on the formation and transformation of identity is evident to all. Television, in particular, due to its wide reach and accessibility, plays a significant role in guiding and influencing national identity. At the same time, a formalist perspective has dominated contemporary art to the extent that even Iranian television programming increasingly adopts Western stylistic forms.”

Speaking on the concept of national identity, Achgan said:

“A nation’s past is its identity. The term identity originates from the Latin word Identitas, encompassing both ‘absolute uniformity’ and ‘distinction that embodies continuity over time’—two meanings that appear contradictory yet coexist. In identity studies, mass media—especially television—has always played a fundamental role in raising public awareness and fostering national consciousness. Because television can effectively attract and influence audiences, it stands as one of the most powerful and impactful instruments in identity formation.”

He further noted:

“Art, rather than causing division, fosters unity and closeness. Art is a form of language understood by all. The Iranian artist, rather than effectively expressing critical contemporary concerns or reflecting the transient features of the present age, often becomes absorbed in the interplay of forms, shapes, and stylistic combinations—ultimately producing a flat and stabilized image of social issues.”

Achgan added:

“Media consumption has shown a strong negative correlation with national identity, indicating that extensive media use can weaken the sense of national belonging. This highlights the immense influence of media and communication across all areas of life. The continuous broadcasting of images, programs, news, and messages contributes to the fragmentation of identity and meaning. As Anthony Giddens suggests, the greater the media consumption, the weaker the identity coherence—and the higher the risk of fragmented national identity.”

Navid Achgan is a member of the Iranian Graphic Designers Association, the Iranian Scientific Association, and the Institute of Contemporary Visual Arts of Iran.
He holds a Master’s degree in Art Research and serves as the graphic designer for the Office of the Supreme Leader’s Representative and Friday Imam of Ardabil Province.

Over the years, Achgan has been active in the fields of graphic design, visual arts, and media, serving as:

• Art Secretary of the 9th Basij Visual Arts Biennial “HonarNegar”

• Scientific Secretary of the 11th University “Harkat” Festival

• Secretary of the Poster Festival “The Best of Nations”

• Executive Secretary of the Painting Exhibition of Caucasus Scholars

• Secretary of the National Campaign “Menim Qehremanım” (I Am My Hero)

• Secretary and Jury Member of the Logo Design Competition for the National Congress Honoring 3,400 Martyrs of Ardabil Province

• Executive Secretary of the National Calligraphy Festival “Iran Del”

• Executive Secretary of the Calligraphy Workshop “Mowlaye Mehr”

He has also organized two solo exhibitions, participated in numerous group exhibitions, and published several academic and research articles.