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Explore past publications of the FAIMA Business & Management Journal. Access comprehensive articles discussing contemporary and historical questions concerning art, aesthetics, philosophy, literature, cinema, and culture.

Volume 1, Issue 1 (2016)

The Aesthetic Paradigm of Post-Industrial Cinema: A Semiotic Approach

Dr. Elena Rostova Institute of Contemporary Arts, University of Vienna, Austria Pages: 1-18

Keywords: Cinema, Semiotics, Post-Industrial, Visual Culture, Aesthetics

This article investigates the shifting paradigms of visual representation in post-industrial cinematic works, employing a rigorous semiotic framework to decode the evolving syntax of modern film. As societal structures transition away from industrial modes of production into information-based economies, cinematic language has concurrently adapted, reflecting these systemic fragmentations. The paper identifies a distinct aesthetic evolution characterized by temporal discontinuity, digital hyper-reality, and the dissolution of traditional narrative cohesion. Through a comparative semiotic analysis of late 20th-century independent cinema and early 21st-century digital art films, this research argues that the 'post-industrial gaze' inherently disrupts the spectator's ontological security. By examining the visual signs, symbols, and spatial constructs utilized by contemporary directors, the study reveals how post-industrial cinema constructs new aesthetic realities that challenge historical viewing modalities. Ultimately, the paper concludes that this semiotic shift is not merely a stylistic preference, but a profound philosophical response to the alienation and information saturation of late modernity, fundamentally altering the communicative contract between the filmmaker and the audience.

Recontextualizing the Renaissance: Power Dynamics in Florentine Art Commissions

Julian Vance, Ph.D. Department of Art History, King's College London, UK Pages: 19-35

Keywords: Renaissance Art, Power Dynamics, Florence, Patronage, Iconography

Traditional art historical narratives often present the Italian Renaissance as a triumphant flowering of humanism, largely driven by the enlightened patronage of the civic elite. This paper seeks to problematize this idealized view by meticulously analyzing the underlying power dynamics inherent in Florentine art commissions during the 15th century. Through an exhaustive examination of primary archival materials—including mercantile ledgers, guild records, and personal correspondences—this research exposes the transactional and often coercive nature of Renaissance patronage. The methodology employed integrates socio-economic history with iconographic analysis to decode how art functioned primarily as a strategic tool for political legitimization and social mobility. The study demonstrates that prominent families manipulated aesthetic commissions to consolidate civic authority, utilizing visual propaganda to mask systemic inequalities and oligarchical control. Furthermore, the paper highlights the precarious agency of the artists themselves, situated at the nexus of creative expression and subservience to patronal dictates. The findings challenge the romanticized perception of the era, arguing that Florentine art must be understood as a contested visual terrain where power, piety, and wealth were perpetually negotiated.

Heidegger and the Poetry of Dwelling: Architectural Phenomenology in the 20th Century

Dr. Samuel Okoro Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Lagos, Nigeria Pages: 36-54

Keywords: Phenomenology, Heidegger, Architecture, Dwelling, Spatiality

Martin Heidegger's profound philosophical inquiries into the nature of 'dwelling' and spatial existence have cast a long shadow over 20th-century architectural theory. This article conducts a comprehensive analysis of Heideggerian phenomenology as applied to the built environment, specifically investigating the concept of *Dasein* (being-there) in relation to architectural spatiality. The research identifies a critical tension between the technological rationalism of high modernist architecture and the phenomenological call for a rooted, meaningful engagement with place. By tracing the lineage of Heidegger’s thought through the theoretical frameworks of Christian Norberg-Schulz and Juhani Pallasmaa, the paper articulates a methodology of "poetic construction." It is argued that true architecture transcends mere shelter or aesthetic objectification; rather, it serves as the ontological framework within which human existence unfolds and gathers meaning. The study evaluates contemporary case studies of critical regionalism to illustrate how architects attempt to recover the essence of dwelling in an increasingly alienating, globalized context. The conclusion suggests that Heidegger’s philosophical meditations offer a vital critical lens for resisting the homogenization of modern spaces, urging a return to phenomenological sensitivity in architectural practice.

Echoes of Antiquity: The Influence of Stoic Philosophy on Early Modern Literature

Prof. Beatrice G. Rossi Department of Classical Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Pages: 55-72

Keywords: Stoicism, Early Modern Literature, Seneca, Humanism, Ethics

The revival of classical texts during the Renaissance catalyzed profound shifts in early modern European thought, with Stoicism emerging as a dominant philosophical paradigm. This paper investigates the extensive percolation of Stoic ethics—particularly the writings of Seneca and Epictetus—into the literary canon of 16th and 17th-century Europe. The study utilizes a comparative literary framework to trace the thematic integration of Neo-Stoicism in the dramatic and poetic works of the period. By analyzing the structural and thematic reliance on concepts such as *apatheia* (freedom from passion), moral constancy amidst political turmoil, and the meditative contemplation of mortality, the research uncovers how Stoic philosophy provided a resilient psychological armature for writers facing the turbulent socio-religious upheavals of the era. The analysis specifically focuses on the translation and adaptation of Senecan tragedy, demonstrating how its emphasis on internal moral fortitude fundamentally reshaped early modern character development and dramatic conflict. Ultimately, this article asserts that the literary assimilation of Stoicism was not merely a stylistic homage to antiquity, but a necessary ethical adaptation, providing a crucial intellectual mechanism for navigating the existential anxieties of the early modern world.

The Digitization of Culture: Memory and Archives in the Age of Information

Kenji Sato, M.A. School of Cultural Studies, University of Tokyo, Japan Pages: 73-90

Keywords: Digital Humanities, Archives, Cultural Memory, Ephemerality, Information Age

The rapid acceleration of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed the mechanisms through which cultural memory is constructed, preserved, and disseminated. This article critically examines the epistemological and ontological implications of digitizing cultural archives. Moving beyond the utopian discourse of universal accessibility, the research interrogates the inherent vulnerabilities of the digital archive, specifically concerning data obsolescence, algorithmic curation, and the loss of material context. Utilizing a theoretical framework grounded in media studies and archival theory, the paper explores how the translation of physical artifacts into binary code alters the phenomenological experience of historical memory. The study argues that while digitization democratizes access, it paradoxically engenders a new form of cultural ephemerality, where the persistence of digital memory is constantly threatened by technological decay. Furthermore, the analysis addresses the political economy of digital archiving, highlighting how corporate control over data infrastructures influences the narratives of collective memory. The paper concludes that a critical reassessment of digital archiving practices is imperative, advocating for methodologies that balance technological innovation with the preservation of the tangible aura of cultural heritage.

Subverting the Gaze: Feminist Perspectives in Contemporary European Theater

Dr. Clara Linnaeus Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, Stockholm University, Sweden Pages: 91-110

Keywords: Feminist Theory, European Theater, The Male Gaze, Performance Art, Subversion

Contemporary European theater has increasingly become a vital locus for the deconstruction of patriarchal narratives and the subversion of the traditional 'male gaze.' This paper provides an in-depth critical analysis of feminist methodologies utilized by emerging female playwrights and directors across the European continent. Drawing upon the theoretical frameworks of Laura Mulvey and Judith Butler, the research examines how contemporary staging techniques, non-linear dramaturgy, and somatic performances are deployed to dismantle deeply entrenched gender binaries. Through a detailed analysis of selected avant-garde productions from the past decade, the study highlights the deliberate disruption of voyeuristic viewing dynamics, forcing the audience into a state of critical self-reflection. The article argues that these theatrical interventions do not merely critique gender inequality but actively construct new, emancipatory modes of spectatorship. By prioritizing embodied female experiences and centering marginalized voices, contemporary feminist theater reclaims the stage as a site of radical political resistance. The conclusion emphasizes the ongoing necessity of these aesthetic disruptions in fostering a more equitable and pluralistic cultural discourse within the performing arts.

The Soundscape of Modernity: Urban Noise and Aural Aesthetics in the 1920s

Marcus Thorne, Ph.D. Institute of Historical Musicology, University of Chicago, USA Pages: 111-132

Keywords: Soundscapes, Modernity, 1920s, Urban Noise, Aural Aesthetics

The dawn of the 20th century, particularly the roaring 1920s, witnessed an unprecedented auditory transformation driven by rapid industrialization, the proliferation of the automobile, and the advent of mass mechanization. This article explores the concept of the 'urban soundscape' during this volatile decade, analyzing how the cacophony of the modern metropolis reshaped aural aesthetics and cultural sensibilities. Through an interdisciplinary approach synthesizing history, musicology, and urban studies, the research investigates the dual reception of urban noise: as a symbol of dystopian chaos and as a wellspring of modernist inspiration. The paper analyzes the works of Futurist composers like Luigi Russolo, who sought to emancipate noise and integrate the mechanical hum of the city into formal musical compositions. Conversely, the study also examines the socio-political movements advocating for noise abatement, highlighting the class-based tensions inherent in auditory regulation. The central argument posits that the evolving soundscape of the 1920s fundamentally fractured traditional acoustic paradigms, demanding a reevaluation of the boundary between music and noise. Ultimately, the article demonstrates how the aural experience of modernity became a critical battleground for defining the aesthetic contours of the twentieth century.

Volume 1, Issue 2 (2016)

Melancholia and the Modern Mind: Existential Themes in Scandinavian Literature

Dr. Freja H. Kjeldsen Department of Nordic Studies, Aarhus University, Denmark Pages: 1-22

Keywords: Scandinavian Literature, Melancholia, Existentialism, Modernity, Kierkegaard

This scholarly inquiry investigates the pervasive thematic current of melancholia within modern Scandinavian literature, viewing it not merely as a psychological affliction, but as a profound philosophical response to the crisis of modernity. Drawing heavily upon the existential frameworks established by Søren Kierkegaard, the article dissects the narrative structures and character psychologies in the seminal works of late 19th and early 20th-century Nordic authors. The research methodology involves a close textual analysis aimed at uncovering how the harsh geographical realities and the rapid secularization of Scandinavian society cultivated a unique literary tradition characterized by existential dread and profound introspection. The paper argues that Scandinavian melancholia functions as a critical epistemological tool, stripping away bourgeois complacency to confront the void of existence. By tracing the evolution of the 'melancholic protagonist,' the study reveals how these literary figures navigate the tension between individual agency and fatalistic despair. The findings suggest that this regional literary obsession with melancholia offers universal insights into the human condition, establishing Scandinavian literature as a foundational pillar in the development of global existentialist thought.

The Visual Rhetoric of Propaganda: Analyzing Cold War Era Political Posters

Prof. Anton Varga Institute of Political History, Charles University, Czech Republic Pages: 23-45

Keywords: Visual Rhetoric, Propaganda, Cold War, Political Art, Graphic Design

During the ideological polarization of the Cold War, graphic design emerged as a formidable weapon of statecraft, heavily utilized to disseminate political ideologies and shape public consciousness. This paper provides a rigorous semiotic and historical analysis of political posters produced across the Iron Curtain between 1947 and 1989. The study employs visual rhetoric methodologies to decode the distinct iconographies, color theories, and typographies utilized by both Western capitalist democracies and Eastern bloc socialist states. The research identifies contrasting aesthetic strategies: the capitalization on consumerist desires and individual liberty in the West, juxtaposed against the glorification of collective labor, industrial progress, and revolutionary solidarity in the East. However, the paper also reveals striking structural similarities in how both ideological blocs manufactured binary narratives of 'us versus them' to cultivate fear and allegiance. By examining the psychological mechanisms underpinning these visual artifacts, the study argues that Cold War propaganda posters were not mere ephemeral prints, but sophisticated ideological apparatuses that fundamentally constructed the geopolitical realities of the era. The conclusion underscores the enduring relevance of visual propaganda in contemporary political discourse.

Beyond the Canvas: Performative Elements in Abstract Expressionism

Dr. Sylvia M. Dubois Faculty of Fine Arts, Sorbonne University, France Pages: 46-65

Keywords: Abstract Expressionism, Performance Art, Action Painting, Aesthetics, Post-War Art

The traditional art historical categorization of Abstract Expressionism heavily prioritizes the final, static object on the canvas. This paper challenges this object-centric view by investigating the deeply performative and kinetic dimensions inherent in the movement, specifically focusing on the concept of 'Action Painting.' Utilizing the critical writings of Harold Rosenberg as a theoretical springboard, the study analyzes the creative processes of central figures such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. The research argues that the canvas functioned not merely as a surface for representation, but as an arena in which to act, effectively blurring the boundaries between visual art and performance. Through an examination of photographic documentation and contemporary accounts of the artists at work, the paper highlights the somatic engagement, the choreography of the gesture, and the temporal nature of the painting event itself. The analysis reveals how Abstract Expressionism paved the way for subsequent performance art and happening movements by shifting the locus of artistic meaning from the artifact to the act of creation. Ultimately, the study recontextualizes post-war American art within a broader discourse of bodily presence and performativity.

The Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence in Artistic Creation

Liang Wei, Ph.D. Candidate Department of Philosophy and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore Pages: 66-84

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, Authorship, Aesthetics, Generative Art

The proliferation of generative Artificial Intelligence algorithms in the realm of artistic production has precipitated a profound crisis in traditional aesthetic and ethical frameworks. This article undertakes a rigorous philosophical inquiry into the disruption of authorship, originality, and intentionality brought about by algorithmic creation. Grounded in the philosophical traditions of aesthetics and ethics of technology, the research scrutinizes the ontological status of AI-generated art. The paper addresses a critical gap in current scholarship by moving beyond the question of "Can machines create?" to interrogate the socio-ethical ramifications of machine-mediated aesthetics. By analyzing case studies of prominent generative adversarial networks (GANs) utilized in contemporary art, the study highlights the murky legal and moral territories concerning intellectual property, the exploitation of human-generated training data, and the potential displacement of human creative labor. The central argument contends that AI art necessitates a radical re-evaluation of 'authorship,' proposing a shift towards understanding artistic creation as a deeply collaborative, cyborgian process between human intentionality and machinic execution. The paper concludes with a call for the development of robust ethical paradigms to govern the integration of algorithmic systems within cultural production.

Narratives of Displacement: Migrant Literature and the Reimagining of Home

Dr. Amina Tariq Department of English Literature, American University of Beirut, Lebanon Pages: 85-103

Keywords: Migrant Literature, Displacement, Identity, Postcolonialism, Diaspora

In an era defined by unprecedented global migration and forced displacement, literature serves as a crucial repository for the lived experiences of dislocation. This article explores how contemporary migrant literature deconstructs fixed notions of national identity and spatial belonging. Utilizing a postcolonial and diasporic theoretical framework, the research examines a diverse corpus of novels authored by first and second-generation immigrants. The study analyzes the recurring narrative motifs of linguistic alienation, the trauma of border crossing, and the complex psychological negotiation between the 'homeland' and the 'host country.' The paper argues that migrant literature inherently resists the assimilationist pressures of dominant cultures, instead articulating fluid, hybrid identities that inhabit the 'in-between' spaces of globalization. By critically reading these texts, the research illuminates how displaced authors radically reimagine the concept of 'home' not as a fixed geographical coordinate, but as a contested, mutable construct sustained through memory, language, and imagination. The conclusion asserts that migrant narratives are essential for understanding the shifting cultural topographies of the 21st century, challenging static, ethno-nationalist paradigms of belonging.

Temporal Anomalies in Science Fiction Cinema: A Bergsonian Analysis

Prof. David Aris Cinema Studies Institute, University of Toronto, Canada Pages: 104-121

Keywords: Science Fiction, Cinema, Henri Bergson, Time, Philosophy of Film

Science fiction cinema has long utilized the manipulation of time—through travel, loops, and dilation—as a central narrative device. This paper moves beyond mere structural analysis to interrogate the philosophical implications of these temporal anomalies, deploying the theories of Henri Bergson as its primary critical lens. Specifically, the research contrasts the scientific, spatialized conception of time (clock time) with Bergson’s notion of *la durée* (lived, qualitative duration). Through detailed case studies of late 20th and early 21st-century sci-fi films, the study examines how cinematic techniques—such as non-linear editing, slow cinema aesthetics, and visual distortions—are employed to visually manifest subjective temporal experiences. The paper argues that the most profound science fiction films leverage temporal paradoxes not simply for plot resolution, but to expose the fragility of human memory and the illusion of deterministic causality. By forcing characters and viewers alike to confront the malleability of history and futurity, these narratives echo Bergsonian philosophy, suggesting that time is fundamentally an indivisible, fluid continuum of consciousness. The conclusion posits that science fiction cinema functions as a vital philosophical laboratory for exploring the complex phenomenology of time in the modern era.

The Culinary Arts as Cultural Heritage: Gastronomy, Identity, and Tradition

Dr. Sofia Fernandez Department of Social Anthropology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain Pages: 122-145

Keywords: Gastronomy, Cultural Heritage, Identity, Culinary Arts, Anthropology

Historically relegated to the domain of domestic labor and sensual indulgence, the culinary arts have increasingly gained recognition within academic discourse as a potent site of cultural production and heritage transmission. This article conducts an anthropological and historical investigation into the ways in which gastronomy serves as a foundational pillar for the construction and maintenance of regional and national identities. The research utilizes ethnographic case studies from the Mediterranean basin to analyze the intricate rituals, familial lore, and socio-economic networks bound up in traditional foodways. The paper identifies a significant tension between the forces of globalized, homogenized food production and grassroots movements striving to protect indigenous culinary practices and biodiversity. The study argues that food is fundamentally semiotic; recipes and ingredients act as edible archives that communicate historical legacies of migration, colonization, and environmental adaptation. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the complex gender dynamics inherent in culinary heritage, critiquing the patriarchal structures that historically marginalized female culinary knowledge while elevating male-dominated 'haute cuisine.' The conclusion advocates for a deeper integration of food studies within the humanities, recognizing culinary traditions as dynamic, living monuments of human ingenuity and cultural resilience.