Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
PhD Candidate in Art Research, Faculty of Theoretical Sciences and Higher Art Studies, Iran University of Art.
2
Associate Professor, Department of Art Research, Faculty of Theoretical Science and Higher Art Studies, Iran University of Art.
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Art Research, Faculty of Theoretical Science and Higher Art Studies, Iran University of Art.
10.22059/jfava.2025.392604.667448
Abstract
Under the postmodern paradigm, the role of material in contemporary sculpture has undergone a significant transformation that fundamentally redefines both the meaning and conceptual framework of art, as well as the methods through which it is taught. Whereas traditional sculpture regarded material merely as a means of shaping form, contemporary artists now view material as a fundamental and dynamic element embodying the very essence of the artwork. The evolution of sculpture into a phenomenological experience highlights audience interaction and heightened sensitivity to human presence. By incorporating a diverse array of materials—including traditional, recycled, industrial components, and modern technologies like light and sound—practitioners establish richer connections with social, cultural, and environmental concerns that go beyond pure aesthetics. Simultaneously, education has transformed through the adoption of connectivist learning theory, a pedagogical model challenging conventional educational approaches by recognizing knowledge as dynamic and constantly evolving. Developed by George Siemens in 2004, connectivism moves away from the concept of static information stored in memory, and instead presents knowledge as a network of interconnected nodes that facilitate the emergence of new patterns and meanings. Within this framework, core constructs such as “node,” “network,” “ecosystem,” and “context” become essential to understanding how people engage with information. Each node may represent diverse elements ranging from personal experience to technological tools and academic texts. Ecosystems, as integrated environments for information flow, and context, encompassing the emotional and experiential aspects of meaning, further support this dynamic approach to learning and creativity. This qualitative study examines specialized literature on contemporary sculpture and analyzes selected works by Tehran University sculpture graduates from the post-revolution period. The research addresses two main questions: what drives the transformation in the role of material in contemporary sculpture, and how is sculpture taught in Iranian universities? Employing an innovative connectivism-based teaching model, the study investigates the evolving intrinsic role of material in sculpture and explores current pedagogical methodologies in Iranian academic institutions. This research constructs a network linking material sciences, art history, global production techniques, climate-responsive practices, and local construction methods. The model suggests that each component—whether material, technique, or concept—functions as a distinct node within the broader network of contemporary sculpture. Traditional focus on solid, rigid materials is balanced by the inclusion of soft media and emerging practices grounded in postmodern diversity, reflecting a paradigm valuing multiplicity and interconnectivity. The findings demonstrate that integrating connectivist theory with existing sculptural frameworks generates a comprehensive educational approach. This integration not only advances technical proficiency and stimulates creative innovation but also expands students’ cultural and aesthetic perspectives. Consequently, learners are empowered to produce artworks resonant with their personal histories, environmental conditions, and cultural contexts. As contemporary sculpture continues to extend the boundaries of material use and artistic expression, new educational pathways arise that support both enduring craftsmanship and forward-looking experimentation, fostering a generation of artists equipped to address global challenges through inventive material practices and conceptual depth, thereby contributing meaningfully to the evolution of contemporary art discourse worldwide.
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