Journal of Art and Civilization of the Orient

An Investigation of Otto Piene’s Works from the Perspective of Globalization

https://doi.org/10.22034/jaco.2026.575881.1521
Volume 14, Issue 52
Summer 2026
Pages 62-67
Journal of Art and Civilization of the Orient

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Adham Zargham

Department of Painting and Sculpture, School of Visual Arts, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Globalization is a phenomenon referring to the expansion of communication among societies across the world, which has increasingly attracted attention since the twentieth century. In this regard, the present study seeks to examine the characteristics of globalization in the works of Otto Piene. The research aims to achieve a deeper understanding of his artworks in relation to the indicators of globalization. The main question of this study is: In what ways are the components and characteristics of globalization reflected in Otto Piene’s works? The research adopted a descriptive-analytical method, and data were collected through library and online sources. Although globalization is not a newly emerged phenomenon, awareness of and attention to it significantly increased during the twentieth century. In this context, factors such as cultural hybridity and the possibility of cosmopolitanism can be noted as elements that have accelerated the process of globalization. The findings indicate that Otto Piene, while remaining committed to his national culture and drawing upon local roots, expands his artistic vision beyond geographical boundaries to engage with universal and human concerns. This approach enables a meaningful reading of his works through the lens of globalization. From various aspects such as presentation methods, choice of materials, and the use of elements like the rainbow, sky, fire, and smoke, Piene’s art embodies key components of globalization. Moreover, alongside this global outlook, national identity also plays a significant role in both the form and content of his artworks, reflecting his personal experience of his homeland.

Keywords

Globalization
Western Art
New Art
Otto Piene
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