Spontaneous arts and their role in affirming cultural identity: an analytical study

This research examines spontaneous arts as one of the most significant forms of artistic expression closely tied to a society’s cultural identity. These arts are characterized by their simplicity, spontaneity, and expressive honesty, often emerging in local or folk environments untouched by academic or institutional influence. The study aims to analyze the visual and expressive characteristics of spontaneous art—particularly naïve and folk art—and to explore its role in preserving and affirming the cultural features of a community.

The research adopts the descriptive analytical method by examining a selection of artworks by spontaneous artists. These works are visually analyzed to reveal how cultural identity is embodied through form, symbolism, and stylistic choices. The findings indicate that such artworks reflect local environments, traditional beliefs, customs, and collective memory, as the spontaneous artist draws inspiration from personal and cultural surroundings, expressing them through a raw, emotionally charged visual language.

The study identifies several key characteristics of spontaneous art, including the flattening of space, free composition, and repeated symbolic elements that convey deep cultural meanings.

The research concludes that spontaneous arts play a vital role in affirming cultural identity—not only through their content, but also through their deep connection with heritage and lived experience. Therefore, such art forms deserve more attention, analysis, and preservation. The study recommends raising awareness of their importance, archiving artists’ works, and integrating them into cultural and educational platforms to ensure their survival amid the pressures of globalization and cultural homogenization.