VERSALISM: A NEW EXPRESSION OF FREEDOM IN POLYSTYLISM

Seyyed Hamidreza Alavi 1 , Seyyed Ali Alavi 2*

1 Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India

Corresponding Author: Seyyed Ali Alavi

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

In recent decades, the concept of artistic “style” has undergone a profound transformation. Traditional frameworks that once defined artistic categories are no longer sufficient to capture the complexity of contemporary human experience. Increasingly, modern artists are moving beyond rigid stylistic boundaries in search of a more fluid, personal, and emotionally driven language of expression. This evolution aligns with the emergence of polystylism, a creative approach that integrates multiple artistic styles within a single work. While polystylism initially emerged in music and visual arts in the late 20th century, it has become a broader phenomenon in contemporary creative practice. In the visual arts specifically, the rise of mixed media, digital technologies, and non-traditional materials has dramatically expanded the artist’s toolkit, challenged classical conventions and fostered innovation. From these cultural and aesthetic conditions, a new approach called Verbalism has emerged. Verbalism is defined by its conscious fusion of styles and its commitment to emotional immediacy over formal or stylistic

consistency. Unlike eclecticism, which often combines styles for aesthetic or decorative effect, Verbalism is grounded in a psychological view of the self as dynamic and shifting. Artistic expression, under this approach, must remain open-ended, multilayered, and responsive to the fluid nature of human emotion and identity.

This orientation reflects broader cultural shifts toward identity fluidity, emotional literacy, and postmodern understandings of subjectivity. Verbalism thus functions not only as an artistic method but also as a response to evolving cultural and psychological realities — one that emphasizes inner truth over external order, and process over product.

The Philosophy of Verbalism: Unity in Multiplicity:

At the core of Verbalism lies the belief that reality is not singular. We humans experience the world through multiple lenses:

• At times with logical, realist precision,

• At times with the emotional outpouring of expressionism,

• Sometimes through the dreamlike lens of surrealism,

• And at other times via the mental disassembly of cubism.

  Verbalism not only acknowledges this multiplicity but actively uses it as a creative tool. The artist embraces the fact that the "self" is in a constant state of flux — and so, their expression must remain fluid and multilayered.

  Visual Structure of Verbalism: Style Within Style:

  In Versalist artworks, each portion of the canvas may embody its own distinct style:

• A hyper realistic portrait,

• Set against a cubist background,

• With impressionistic textures,

• Abstract or digital lighting,

• And linework ranging from childlike sketches to classical precision.

  These contrasts are not signs of disorder, but manifestations of a deeper unity at the emotional and psychological levels of the artwork.

  Color, Tools, and Limitless Freedom:

  In Verbalism, no color or medium is excluded. The artist is free to use all available materials, even simultaneously:

• Watercolor

• Oil paint

• Gouache

• Acrylic

• Colored pencil

• Pastel

• Crayon

• Mixed media or digital elements

  The juxtaposition of complementary, contrasting, or even seemingly “incompatible” colors is not only permitted but meaningful — because the goal is to reflect an emotional moment, not to obey classical aesthetic rules.

  Methodology in Verbalism: Emotion Over Rule:

  Verbalism follows no predetermined model. It is based on the premise that the artist’s

  emotional state is the most important factor in shaping the work. Psychological states such as:

• Joy

• Anxiety

• Drowsiness

• Excitement

• Melancholy

can directly influence the choice of colors, tools, styles, and rhythm of execution. This emotive core is what differentiates Verbalism from other hybrid or eclectic styles.

Examples of Versalist Paintings:

In the following section, three examples of paintings in the Versalist style are presented.

Figure 1: Self as a Canvas of Emotion and Commerce

This portrait merges photorealistic facial features with abstract commercial motifs, drawing on the principles of fauvism, realism, and modernist fragmentation. The vibrant setting — reminiscent of a storefront — symbolically blurs the boundaries between consumer identity and inner emotional life, emblematic of Verbalism’s fusion of personal and social layers.

Figure 2: Market of Multiplicity

In this composition, a traditional Iranian market scene becomes a ground for visual polystylism. Expressionist brushwork in the sky contrasts sharply with realistic human figures and the structured layout of produce. Emotional tones of familiarity and nostalgia are captured through impressionist color fields, while background abstractions hint at the subconscious layering of memory — a true Versalist synthesis.

Figure 3: Pharmacognosist in Flux

Depicting a pharmacist in his natural setting, this work combines realist portraiture with pointillist and impressionist environments. The fragmented spatial background mirrors the complexity of scientific identity, while bold patches of color (a nod to fauvism) emphasize emotional immediacy. The painting exemplifies how Verbalism allows intellectual professions to be emotionally rehumanized through stylistic multiplicity.

RESULTS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

While Verbalism is still in its early stages, initial reception by artists and viewers suggests a strong resonance with the modern psyche. Works created in this style have been showcased in mixed-media exhibitions and digital art platforms, with artists noting an increased sense of freedom and authenticity. Future directions may include community-driven workshops, digital collaborations, and theoretical exploration into the psychological implications of such stylistic openness. Verbalism’s evolution will likely reflect not just artistic trends, but also deeper societal movements towards inclusivity, identity fluidity, and emotional literacy.

CONCLUSION

Verbalism stands as a dynamic response to the emotional, cultural, and psychological complexities of contemporary life. It challenges the rigidity of classical artistic structures and opens space for individual truth and diversity of expression. As this movement grows, it has the potential to influence not just the aesthetics of art but the very ethos of how creativity is understood, valued, and taught in a modern, interconnected world.

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