The Hermeneutics of the Ontology of Nature in Art from the Perspective of Iranian–Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism

The theme of nature and its relationship with human beings has always been one of the most fundamental subjects and components of human thought. From the very beginning, nature has compelled humankind to reflect, explore, and contemplate the essence and manner of its own becoming.

Iranian art—particularly the visual and pictorial arts—as one of the most distinguished manifestations of artistic expression in the history of world art, has always attracted the attention of researchers and art enthusiasts. One of the prominent features of this art is the use of life-giving elements of nature as cultural and spiritual symbols.

The aim of this study is to examine and analyze the ontology of nature in art from the perspective of Iranian mystics and philosophers. The main research question is: What is the meaning of the ontology of nature in the Qur’an and Islamic teachings? Furthermore, how is this concept represented in art through the views of certain Iranian-Islamic mystics and philosophers?

The research methodology is qualitative–quantitative and analytical. The findings indicate that Iranian visual arts, inspired by the Qur’an and Islamic mysticism, draw upon nature and its constitutive elements, infusing them with life and granting them existence through ontological concepts expressed in artistic works. These elements and their manifestations—including the sky, water, earth, fire, plants, mountains, rocks, animals, and so on—are all endowed with consciousness and perception, contributing to the meaningfulness of the created subject within these arts.