The Representations of Migration in Contemporary Art

Abstract

This study aims to identify representations of migration in contemporary art. In this regard, it examines the role of migration experiences in artists’ creative processes, the approaches of migrant and non-migrant artists to the phenomenon of migration (similarities and differences), how the reflections of migration on the individual, group, and social structures are addressed in artistic works, the artistic representation of the psychological reflections of migration, and the conceptual and visual elements used in the representation of the migration phenomenon have been examined and evaluated. This study is a descriptive study within the realm of qualitative research. A descriptive analysis method was used to evaluate the research data. Within this framework, a literature review was conducted, followed by an analysis of six works by Tammam Azzam, Ai Weiwei, Bruno Catalano, Temür Köran, Şükran Moral, and Kezban Arca Batıbeki—all of whom address migration in their works—in terms of content and visual elements. The artists’ techniques in the production process, the materials they used, their symbols, and the ways they conveyed the subject were evaluated within a framework related to the phenomenon of migration. Based on the findings of the research, it has been concluded that contemporary art frequently addresses themes such as the migration process, internal conflict, war, trauma, loss of belonging, othering, forced displacement, and hope—which persists despite all these adversities. It was also concluded that, in the works of non-migrant artists, this arduous journey generally comes to the fore as a global humanitarian issue, whereas in the works of migrant artists, it is presented as a personal experience and testimony. In addition, it was concluded that the works examined effectively utilize various art forms and techniques—such as painting, sculpture, video, installation, digital intervention, and collage—to present elements related to migration to the audience. Furthermore, it has been concluded that contemporary art approaches the issue of migration not only as an aesthetic concern but also as a field that fosters social awareness and generates critical discourse.