Symbols are signs that stand for something other than themselves. In art, symbols can be used to express ideas, feelings, messages, or concepts that cannot be communicated directly or literally. Symbols can be visual, auditory, linguistic, or actionable. In this topic, we will look at how artists from different genres and eras used symbolism in their works and how this influenced the reception and interpretation of their work.

Unlocking the Language of Art: Defining Symbols and Metaphors in Artistic Creativity

 

A symbol in art is a universal aesthetic category, revealed through comparison with related categories - an artistic image, on the one hand, a sign and an allegory, on the other. The system of artistic symbolism includes situations, paintings, and landscape details containing a hint and semantic depth. The categories of space and time can acquire symbolic meaning. In certain psychological situations, individual gestures, body movements, and facial expressions that reflect a person’s state or his actions become symbolic. An artistic symbol differs from other means of expression in art and, above all, from a sign. Their difference is that a sign, as a rule, has one main meaning, while an artistic symbol has multiple meanings. The symbolism of an image is nothing more than a measure of convention necessary in realistic art.
The following types of symbols are highlighted:

• scientific symbols;
• philosophical;
• artistic;
• mythological;
• religious;
• symbols formed by nature;
• human - expressive symbols;
• human actions;
• the whole world as a kingdom of symbols;

The symbol is as ancient as human consciousness. The mythological worldview presupposes the identity of the symbolic form and its meaning.

Symbols are recognizable elements that convey specific meaning, ideas, concepts - serve as a reliable "language" in all visual arts and especially in painting. There is no doubt that some symbols arose among peoples independently; many similar symbols can be explained by common psychological and cultural reasons, for example, the symbol of the sun - in the form of a wheel, lightning - in the form of a hammer; but in many cases, cultural interaction between peoples and the transmission of symbolism through cultural and trade ties, coin circulation, and religious ideas are revealed. Many symbols have acquired an incredibly wide meaning, for example, the symbols of the cross, the eagle, the fish, and such symbols as the lily and the rose have become a permanent fixture in the images of St. Virgin Mary; St. George strikes a sea dragon with his spear; a halo surrounds the heads of the saints.

The symbol appeals not only to the mind, but also to a person’s feelings, his subconscious, gives rise to complex associations and often depends on the era, religion, and culture of the people. If the symbol is polysemantic, then we must take that of its meanings that corresponds to the era, time, general system, the spirit of the painting - does not contradict it and does not destroy it. A symbol can be designated by a number, property, or shape. For example, the number 7 is a symbol of perfection and completeness (seven colors of the rainbow, seven notes, seven days of the week, seven virtues, seven deadly sins); blue color (the color of the sky) is a symbol of everything spiritual; the shape of a circle resembling the sun and moon is a symbol of divine perfection. Another group of symbols are objects, phenomena, or actions, as well as artistic images that embody an idea. For example, an olive branch is a symbol of peace, a narcissus flower is a symbol of death, a baby is a symbol of the human soul. Light is a symbol of spiritual insight, divine grace; rainbow (meeting of Heaven and Earth) is a symbol of the reconciliation of God with people, the forgiveness of human sins. Weaving symbolizes the creation of the universe, the world, the determination of the destinies of all things; fishing - proselytizing (Christ taught his disciples to be “fishers of men”). The artistic image of a centaur is a symbol of base passions, strife (if depicted with a quiver, arrows and a bow), in religious compositions - a symbol of heresy. A symbol is associated with the external characteristics of an object and always reflects its deep essence. For example, an owl is a night bird, so one of its symbolic meanings is sleep, death.

The form, theme, and content of art were closely related to religion and were under the strict control of the church, so there were rules and techniques in painting - canons that every artist had to follow. Types of images, compositional schemes, symbolism were approved and illuminated by the church, but the canon did not at all fetter the thoughts of the medieval painter, but disciplined him, forcing him to pay more careful attention to details. The language of religious symbolism was supposed to convey complex and deep concepts of spiritual reality. At that time, many did not know how to read, but the language of symbols was instilled in any believer from childhood.

The symbolism of color, gestures, and depicted objects is the language of the icon. The proportions of the face were deliberately distorted. It was believed that the eyes are the mirror of the soul, which is why the eyes on the icons are so large and soulful. Starting from Rublev's time at the beginning of the 15th century. the eyes no longer painted so exaggeratedly large, nevertheless, great attention is always paid to them. Theophanes the Greek depicted some saints with their eyes closed or with empty eye sockets - in this way the artist tried to convey the idea that their gaze was directed not at the outside world, but inward, at the contemplation of divine truth and inner prayer. The figures of the depicted biblical characters were painted less densely, in few layers, deliberately elongated, which created the visual effect of their lightness, overcoming the physicality and volume of their bodies. They seem to float in space above the ground, which is an expression of their spirituality and transformed state. The actual image of a person occupies the main space of the icon. Everything else - chambers, mountains, trees - play a secondary role, their iconic nature is brought to the maximum conventionality. However, they also carry a certain semantic load: the mountain symbolizes man’s path to God, the oak tree is a symbol of eternal life, the cup and vine are symbols of the atoning sacrifice of Christ, the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, etc.

All painters resorted to the symbolism of paint colors, each color brought its own meaning and mood:

• Gold is a color that symbolizes the radiance of Divine glory in which the saints abide. The golden background of the icon, the halos of saints, the golden radiance around the figure of Christ, the golden clothes of the Savior and the Mother of God - all this serves as an expression of holiness and eternal values belonging to the world;
• Yellow or ocher - the color of the highest power of angels, closest in spectrum to gold, is often simply its replacement;
• White is a color symbolizing purity and innocence, involvement in the divine world. The clothes of Christ are painted white, for example in the composition “Transfiguration”, as well as the clothes of the righteous on icons depicting the Last Judgment;
• Black is a color that in some cases symbolizes hell, the maximum distance from God, in others - a sign of sadness and humility;
• Blue - the color of the Virgin Mary, also meant purity and righteousness;
• Blue is the color of greatness, symbolizing the divine, heavenly, the incomprehensibility of mystery and the depth of revelation;
• Red is the royal color, a symbol of power and might (the cloak of Michael the Archangel - the leader of the heavenly army and St. George - the conqueror of the serpent); in other cases it could be a symbol of atoning blood, martyrdom.
• Green - symbolized eternal life, eternal flowering, and the color of the Holy Spirit.

Gesticulation also had a special symbolic meaning, since a gesture in icons conveys a certain spiritual impulse and carries certain spiritual information:

• Hand pressed to the chest - heartfelt empathy;
• A hand raised up is a call to repentance;
• A hand extended forward with an open palm is a sign of obedience and submission;
• Two hands raised up - a prayer for peace;
• Hands raised forward - a prayer for help, a gesture of request;
• Hands pressed to the cheeks - a sign of sadness, grief.

Symbols, being recognizable elements, serve as a kind of “language” in works of art, especially in painting. They enrich the viewer’s visual experience, appealing not only to the mind, but also to the feelings and subconscious of a person.

The author emphasizes that symbols in art are not accidental, but are often determined by common psychological and cultural reasons. It is important to note that these symbols can arise both as a result of the independent creativity of various peoples, and through cultural interaction, trade relations, and religious ideas.

The symbolism of color, form, objects and actions in art has many meanings, often depending on era, time, religion and culture. Symbols have a deep essence, reflecting the internal characteristics of objects and phenomena, and are always associated with the emotional and spiritual perception of a person.

Thus, the study of symbols in art not only reveals technical and artistic aspects, but also helps us better understand the connection between the artist and the viewer, as well as the influence of cultural and religious factors on these symbols.

Symbols in Art: Language of Expression from Painting to Contemporary Art

 

 

Art is undoubtedly one of the most powerful ways of communicating and experiencing human emotions, ideas and meanings. In this kaleidoscope of creativity, painting, literature, music, cinema, theater and contemporary art act as diverse forms of self-expression. An important element of each of them are symbols - multifaceted signs that can carry deep meanings and sometimes transform the ordinary into something amazing.

Diving into the world of symbols, we propose to consider how artists, writers, musicians, directors and artists use this unique language of expression. Let us begin our study with painting, so rich in history and symbolism, which has experienced evolution from antiquity to modern times.

Symbols in painting

Painting is one of the most ancient and widespread art forms in which symbols play an important role. Painters can use colors, shapes, lines, light, shadows, perspective, composition and other elements to create symbolic meaning in their works. For example, in the Renaissance, symbols of Christianity, antiquity, astronomy, alchemy and other fields of knowledge were often used. In Impressionism, symbols became more abstract and reflected the impressions and moods of the artists. In surrealism, symbols became more fantastical and psychological, reflecting the subconscious and dreams.

Symbols in literature

Literature is the art of words in which symbols can be used to deepen meaning, create images, allegories, metaphors and other devices. Literary symbols can be concrete (e.g., objects, characters, places) or abstract (e.g., ideas, concepts, feelings). For example, in George Orwell's novel “1984” the symbol of totalitarianism is Big Brother, and the symbol of freedom is the nightingale. In poetry, symbols can be used to create rhythm, rhyme, sound, and imagery. For example, in Edgar Allan Poe's poem “The Raven,” the black bird is a symbol of grief and despair, and Lenore is a symbol of hope.

Symbols in music

Music is the art of sound, in which symbols can be used to convey emotions, ideas, stories, or atmosphere. Musical symbols can be melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, dynamic, timbral or stylistic. For example, in classical music, symbols can be used to create leitmotifs, themes, motifs or variations that are associated with certain characters, events or moods. In jazz, symbols can be used for improvisation, expression, or contrast. In rock music, symbols can be used to express protest, rebellion, or identity.

Symbols in cinema

Film is an art of moving images in which symbols can be used to create meaning, tension, suspense, or aesthetics. Cinematic symbols can be visual, audio, editing or script. For example, in Alfred Hitchcock's film Psycho, the symbol of horror and death is a knife, and the symbol of innocence and sacrifice is souls. In Stanley Kubrick's film 2001: A Space Odyssey, the symbol of evolution and mystery is the black monolith, and the symbol of artificial intelligence and the enemy is the computer HAL 9000.

Symbols in the theater

Theater is the art of live performance in which symbols can be used to create drama, comedy, tragedy or satire. Theater symbols can be scenery, costumes, props, lighting, sound or gestures. For example, in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the skull is a symbol of doubt and revenge, and Ophelia is a symbol of madness and love. In Samuel Beckett's play Waiting for Godot, a tree is a symbol of absurdity and meaninglessness, and Godot is a symbol of hope and despair.

Symbols in contemporary art

Contemporary art is art that reflects contemporary reality, culture, politics or society. In contemporary art, symbols can be used for criticism, provocation, experimentation or exploration. Modern symbols can be traditional, new, combined or reinterpreted. For example, in Andi Warhol’s installation “Campbell Canned Trousers,” a can of soup is a symbol of consumption and mass culture, and the artist’s signature is a symbol of irony and art. In Marina Abramovic’s performance “The Artist Is Present,” the symbol of communication and emotion is the gaze, and the symbol of art and life is the artist herself.

All considered forms of art, from painting to modern art, turn out to be rich in symbols, which are the key to understanding deep meanings and artistic intentions. Through the use of colors, shapes, sounds and movements, artists and creators communicate complex emotions, concepts and ideas, revealing their creative intentions.

Painting, rich in tradition and history, has become a source of inspiration for the use of a variety of symbols. Renaissance artists imbued their canvases with symbols of Christianity and antiquity, impressionists abstracted themselves, conveying impressions, and surrealists brought to life fantastic and psychological symbols. In literature, music, film, theater and contemporary art, symbols continue to play a key role, complementing and enriching artistic expression.

Each art form offers its own unique symbolic language, creating a bridge between creator and viewer. This vast world of symbols serves not only as a means of creative expression, but also as a way to convey deep cultural, aesthetic and philosophical concepts. Thus, in the study of symbols in art, we reveal not only technical aspects, but also the inner world of the artist, as well as the multifaceted interpretations and perceptions of viewers. Ultimately, symbols prove to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration, giving us new perspectives on the world of art and the diversity of its languages.

Our art catalog features talented artists whose works beautifully embody deep, meaningful themes. Their paintings become not just works of art, but also visual narratives that reveal complex ideas, emotions and philosophical concepts. These artists use vibrant colors, masterful compositions, and meticulous details to capture profound aspects of the human experience on canvas and provoke thought in viewers. From abstract interpretations to realistic depictions, each painting becomes a reflection of artistic inspiration and skill, bringing new perspectives and interpretations of larger themes to art.