Semiotic Analysis of Snake Motif in Ahmad Nadalian Contemporary Works

     The "snake" is one of the most controversial symbols of animals that is profoundly linked to the human culture and civilization. It is expressed in the mythology of peoples and nations in various forms. In Iran, this creature has been used widely and in various forms. It seems that this motif has a special meaning; it is a symbol and has been connected to the religion and beliefs of the people. Positive and negative concepts are conveyed in this form continuously. These features made artists feel familiar with this ancient motif. That is the reason the snake is used by artists in their works. One of the artists who used this ancient symbol is Ahmad Nadalian. Many of the symbols he uses and carves are derived from ancient myths and pre-Islamic civilizations.  Works of Ahmad Nadalian are often symbolic and inspired by ancient mythology and symbolic themes. But in contrary to the ancient concepts he represented these motifs in a new way. The artist believes in the connection between ancient symbols and new media and between public art and rational art. In his drawings, paintings, carvings and stone installations, fertility and creation are the main theme. This research seeks to examine the semiotic image of the motif of snake in the works of this artist.