Examining How Art Reflects and Challenges Political Ideologies and Power Structures in Lebanon

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine how art reflects and challenges political ideologies and power structures in Lebanon.

Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low-cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive's time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.

Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to how art reflects and challenges political ideologies and power structures in Lebanon. Preliminary empirical review revealed the impact of politically charged artworks on public attitudes and political participation is enormous. The researchers conducted a survey with a diverse sample of participants who viewed politically themed artworks and measured their attitudes and behavioral intentions. The study found that exposure to politically charged artworks led to more critical attitudes towards existing political ideologies and increased participants' willingness to engage in political activities.

Recommendations: The Cultural Hegemony, Critical Theory and Visual Culture Theory may be used to anchor future studies on how art reflects and challenges political ideologies and power structures in Lebanon. Governments, institutions, and societies should actively encourage artistic freedom and support a diverse range of artistic expressions. This will ensure that different political ideologies and perspectives are represented in the artistic landscape, fostering a more inclusive and nuanced discourse. Additionally, public institutions, galleries, and museums should strive to create accessible and engaging experiences for the public to interact with political art. This can include exhibitions, workshops, and public discussions that stimulate dialogue and promote critical thinking about the relationships between art, politics, and power.