Acceptance of an Article by Ardabil Artist Navid Achgan at the 1st National Conference on Distinguished Teachers, 2024 (1403)

The First National Conference on Distinguished Teachers, in collaboration with Rah Danesh Institute of Higher Education in Babol, Taqdis Scientific Center, and the faculties of Psychology, Educational Sciences, Social Sciences, Cognitive Sciences, and Islamic Studies, is held annually at Rah Danesh Institute of Higher Education, Babol.
The main objective of this conference is to create a platform for the exchange of information and to present the latest research achievements in its various thematic areas.

An article by the Ardabil artist Navid Achgan, titled “Art from the Perspective of Sigmund Freud,” has been fully accepted for presentation at this conference.

In discussing Freud’s view of art, Achgan explained:

“Although Sigmund Freud was a psychoanalyst, his ideas about the unconscious mind have inspired many artists and art critics. He repeatedly acknowledged his interest in art and literature. Freud believed that human beings channel their repressed desires in alternative ways — and among them, the artist realizes these repressed desires through artistic creation. In his view, the aesthetic evaluation of an artwork does not fall within the scope of psychoanalysis; rather, psychoanalysis can only interpret those aspects of art that are directly connected to the artist’s unconscious mind.”

Regarding Freud’s contribution to literary criticism, the researcher noted:

“Psychoanalytic literary criticism is one of Freud’s most significant legacies. This form of critique has not only cast a profound influence on art and artists but has also led, through its evolution, to the emergence of new theories — particularly in the field of art and literary criticism.”

On the relationship between art and psychoanalysis, Achgan added:

“Art and psychoanalysis are two distinct disciplines, yet they share many common points. Both deal with the power of imagery and symbolic meaning. The psychoanalyst studies the constructs of the inner life — such as dreams and memories — and relates them to personal experience. The artist, unable to fulfill certain desires in the real world, turns to imagination — the realm of art. Through art, the artist removes internal conflicts, purifies the soul, and attains peace. According to Freud, artists seek to overcome the sufferings of life in order to gain security, fame, power, and love. This implies that the artist possesses a touch of madness — creating art as a means of healing.”

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 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 held two solo exhibitions, participated in numerous group exhibitions, and published several academic and research papers.