11.3 Symbolism

Symbolism in art uses visual elements to represent ideas beyond their literal meaning. Artists employ symbols to convey complex concepts, evoke moods, and engage viewers on a deeper level. This powerful artistic device allows for the expression of abstract ideas and emotions.

Understanding symbolism is crucial for creating meaningful artworks. It enables artists to communicate ideas that may be difficult to express directly, inviting interpretation and personal reflection. Symbolism can be found in various forms, from common symbols to personal and cultural representations.

Symbolism in art

• Symbolism is a powerful artistic device that uses visual elements to represent ideas, emotions, or qualities beyond their literal meaning
• Symbolism allows artists to convey complex concepts, evoke moods, and engage viewers on a deeper level
• Understanding symbolism is crucial for creating meaningful and thought-provoking artworks in drawing and other mediums

Defining symbolism

• Symbolism refers to the use of symbols, or visual elements that stand for something else, to represent abstract ideas or concepts
• Symbols can be objects, colors, shapes, or figures that carry a specific meaning within the context of the artwork
• Symbolism enables artists to communicate ideas that may be difficult to express directly, inviting interpretation and personal reflection

History of symbolism

Symbolist movement origins

Top images from around the web for Symbolist movement origins

• 

  Datei:Arnold Böcklin - Die Toteninsel II (Metropolitan Museum of Art).jpg – Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Jan Brueghel (I) - Orpheus in the Underworld - WGA03564.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Symbolism (arts) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Datei:Arnold Böcklin - Die Toteninsel II (Metropolitan Museum of Art).jpg – Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Jan Brueghel (I) - Orpheus in the Underworld - WGA03564.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Symbolist movement origins

• 

  Datei:Arnold Böcklin - Die Toteninsel II (Metropolitan Museum of Art).jpg – Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Jan Brueghel (I) - Orpheus in the Underworld - WGA03564.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Symbolism (arts) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Datei:Arnold Böcklin - Die Toteninsel II (Metropolitan Museum of Art).jpg – Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Jan Brueghel (I) - Orpheus in the Underworld - WGA03564.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• The Symbolist movement emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against Realism and Naturalism in art and literature
• Symbolist artists sought to express inner thoughts, emotions, and spiritual ideas through suggestive and enigmatic imagery
• The movement drew inspiration from various sources, including mythology, mysticism, and the subconscious mind

Key symbolist artists

• Gustav Klimt (The Kiss, The Tree of Life) used ornamental and allegorical elements to explore themes of love, death, and the human condition
• Odilon Redon (The Cyclops, The Chariot of Apollo) created dreamlike and fantastical images that delved into the realms of the imagination and the subconscious
• Edvard Munch (The Scream, Madonna) employed expressive and symbolic elements to convey intense psychological states and existential anxieties

Symbols and meanings

Common symbols

• Certain symbols have become widely recognized and carry universal meanings across cultures (dove for peace, heart for love, skull for mortality)
• Natural elements like water, fire, and trees often symbolize concepts such as purity, passion, and growth, respectively
• Animals can also serve as powerful symbols, with each species representing specific traits or ideas (lion for courage, snake for temptation, butterfly for transformation)

Cultural variations

• Symbols can have different meanings depending on the cultural context in which they are used
• In Western art, the color white often symbolizes purity and innocence, while in some Eastern cultures, it is associated with death and mourning
• It is important to consider the cultural background of both the artist and the intended audience when interpreting symbolic elements

Personal symbols

• Artists may also develop their own unique symbolic language, assigning personal meanings to specific objects, colors, or motifs
• These personal symbols can be based on the artist's experiences, beliefs, or emotions, adding a layer of intimacy and depth to their work
• Frida Kahlo, for example, frequently incorporated symbolic elements drawn from her life, such as monkeys, thorns, and broken columns, to represent her physical and emotional pain

Symbolism techniques

Allegorical representations

• Allegory is a form of symbolism that uses characters, events, or images to represent abstract ideas or moral concepts
• Allegorical representations often draw from mythology, literature, or religious texts to create a narrative that conveys a deeper meaning
• Examples include the personification of virtues and vices, or the use of mythological figures to represent human qualities or experiences

Metaphorical imagery

• Metaphorical symbolism involves using visual comparisons to draw parallels between seemingly unrelated objects or concepts
• By juxtaposing or combining different elements, artists can create powerful associations and convey complex ideas
• Salvador Dalí's melting clocks in "The Persistence of Memory" serve as a metaphor for the fluidity and subjectivity of time

Dream-like scenes

• Symbolist artists often drew inspiration from dreams, visions, and the subconscious mind to create enigmatic and surreal compositions
• Dream-like scenes can be used to explore the inner workings of the psyche, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination
• Marc Chagall's whimsical and fantastical paintings, such as "I and the Village," incorporate dream-like elements to evoke a sense of nostalgia and enchantment

Symbolism vs realism

• Symbolism stands in contrast to Realism, which aims to depict the world as it appears, without idealization or symbolic interpretation
• While Realist artists focus on accurately representing the observable world, Symbolist artists prioritize the expression of inner experiences and ideas
• Symbolism allows for a greater degree of subjectivity and personal interpretation, as the meaning of the artwork is not always immediately apparent or fixed

Symbolism and abstraction

Abstract symbols

• Symbolism can also be expressed through abstract forms, shapes, and colors that do not directly represent recognizable objects
• Abstract symbols rely on the viewer's intuitive response and emotional associations to convey meaning
• Wassily Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract art, believed that certain colors and shapes could evoke specific spiritual and emotional states

Non-representational art

• Non-representational art, or pure abstraction, takes symbolism to its extreme by completely abandoning recognizable subject matter
• Instead, non-representational artists use the inherent qualities of line, color, and form to create compositions that symbolize emotions, energy, or spiritual concepts
• Examples include the color field paintings of Mark Rothko, which use large expanses of color to evoke meditative and transcendent experiences

Psychological aspects

Unconscious influences

• Symbolist artists often drew inspiration from the theories of psychoanalysis and the exploration of the unconscious mind
• The use of symbolism allowed artists to tap into their own subconscious desires, fears, and impulses, as well as those of the viewer
• The enigmatic and sometimes disturbing imagery in symbolist art can be seen as a manifestation of repressed or hidden aspects of the psyche

Emotional resonance

• Symbolism has the power to evoke strong emotional responses in the viewer, as the meaning of the artwork is not always immediately apparent
• The ambiguity and open-endedness of symbolic imagery invite the viewer to engage with the work on a personal level, projecting their own experiences and emotions onto the art
• This emotional resonance can create a powerful connection between the artist, the artwork, and the viewer, fostering a sense of shared understanding and empathy

Symbolism in composition

Symbolic arrangements

• The arrangement and placement of elements within a composition can also carry symbolic significance
• The use of symmetry, asymmetry, or specific geometric shapes can convey ideas of balance, tension, or harmony
• The positioning of figures or objects in relation to each other can suggest power dynamics, emotional connections, or narrative relationships

Symbolic color use

• Color is a powerful tool for symbolism, as different hues can evoke specific emotions, moods, or associations
• In Western art, red often symbolizes passion, danger, or sacrifice, while blue can represent calmness, spirituality, or melancholy
• The use of color symbolism can enhance the overall meaning and impact of an artwork, creating a synesthetic experience that engages multiple senses and emotions

Contemporary symbolism

Modern symbolic art

• Symbolism continues to be a relevant and influential force in contemporary art, with many artists employing symbolic elements to address current social, political, and personal issues
• Contemporary symbolist artists often draw from a wide range of cultural references, including popular media, technology, and global traditions
• Examples include the works of Kiki Smith, who uses symbolic imagery drawn from folklore and mythology to explore themes of gender, identity, and the human body

Evolving symbolic language

• As society and culture continue to change, so too does the symbolic language used by artists
• Contemporary artists may subvert or reinterpret traditional symbols, or create entirely new ones that reflect the experiences and concerns of modern life
• The use of digital media and new technologies has also expanded the possibilities for symbolic expression, allowing artists to create immersive and interactive experiences that engage the viewer on multiple levels

Analyzing symbolic works

Interpretation strategies

• When analyzing symbolic artworks, it is important to consider both the personal intentions of the artist and the broader cultural context in which the work was created
• Close observation of the visual elements, such as color, form, and composition, can provide clues to the symbolic meaning of the work
• Researching the artist's biography, influences, and contemporaries can also help to shed light on the significance of specific symbols or themes

Contextual considerations

• The interpretation of symbolic art can vary depending on the viewer's own cultural background, personal experiences, and knowledge of art history
• It is important to approach symbolic works with an open mind and a willingness to engage with multiple possible meanings
• Discussing and comparing interpretations with others can also enrich one's understanding of the work and reveal new layers of significance

Symbolism project ideas

Symbolic self-portrait

• Create a self-portrait that incorporates symbolic elements to represent different aspects of your identity, personality, or life experiences
• Consider using colors, objects, or settings that hold personal significance or evoke specific emotions
• Reflect on how the use of symbolism allows you to express aspects of yourself that may be difficult to convey through literal representation

Personal mythology creation

• Develop a series of artworks that explore a personal mythology or symbolic narrative
• Create a cast of characters, settings, and events that represent different facets of your inner world or creative vision
• Use symbolism to imbue your mythology with deeper meanings and psychological resonance, inviting the viewer to engage with your work on a personal and archetypal level