The Ontology of Meaning and Its Manifestations in Contemporary Women’s Art

Abstract

This research aims to explore the ontological dimensions of inherent meanings within selected expressive visual works by artist Zahra Al Ghamdi. The research problem stems from the inadequacies in previous analyses that have not comprehensively addressed the mechanisms of forming and manifesting existential meaning in the artist's oeuvre from an integrated perspective. This study seeks to analyze and deconstruct these mechanisms using a methodological framework that integrates Phenomenological Ontology, Hermeneutical Ontology, and Semiotic Ontology, identifying how the artist's works contribute to enriching artistic discourse on the universal human experience.

The research employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, applying phenomenological analysis to ascertain the direct presence of meaning, hermeneutical analysis for constructing meaning through interpretation, and semiotic analysis for decoding the visual signs embedded in the artist's works. The study has yielded several key findings, including, but not limited to, the revelation of deeper layers of existential meaning, and the affirmation of the manifestation of universal ontological dimensions encompassing pain and suffering, unity and interconnectedness, pressure and chaos, and the quest for self within the artist's works, in addition to the pivotal role of her visual language in shaping these meanings.

The significance of this research lies in enriching philosophical and critical literature by offering an integrated ontological framework, fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between philosophy and artistic experience, providing a robust methodological tool for researchers and critics, and advancing the development of educational curricula focused on the philosophical comprehension of art. The research recommends expanding the scope of analysis to include other artists, investigating the implications of the artist's oeuvre on the recipient, and integrating these approaches into academic curricula and contemporary artistic practices.