The Role of Iraqi Art in Building Communicative Action: A Critical Approach to Jürgen Habermas's Theory

Abstract

This study aims to examine Iraqi art through the lens of Jürgen Habermas' theory of communication, considering it as a medium for social interaction and a tool for collective understanding. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology, analyzing Iraqi artistic production in relation to Habermas’ concepts of the public sphere, communicative action, and deliberative rationality. It highlights the role of art in shaping social awareness and fostering public discourse the study traces the evolution of Iraqi art, from Sumerian and Babylonian art to contemporary artistic expressions, with a particular focus on how artworks reflect social and political experiences. It also explores the audience’s engagement with art as a communicative practice and its impact on the development of critical consciousness within society. This research seeks to answer the following questions: How does Iraqi art contribute to the creation of a critical public sphere according to Habermas’ theory? To what extent can artistic works transform collective consciousness through processes of communication and interpretation? The study concludes that Iraqi art is not merely a reflection of social and political realities but serves as an effective communicative tool that reshapes the public sphere by stimulating discussions on fundamental societal issues. This underscores its significance in shaping Iraqi cultural identity and fostering continuous critical dialogue