Symbolism in the Arts

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Symbolism

A symbol is something that represents another thing (idea or real thing).

The American flag symbolizes (represents) the U.S. (something real, that can be touched) and the ideas (concepts) of freedom, independence, and patriotism.

Example

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So all an artist need do is to make a reference to the flag – and the audience thinks of all these meanings.

Example of a Famous Symbol When an audience sees this

image, they should automatically know the real person it represents. His name is ...

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Albert Einstein He was a famous

mathematician. So Albert is a symbol for the idea of ...

Genius, intelligence, being super smart!

Symbols Used in the Arts

The word “clock” in a story or the image of a clock in a painting ... or perhaps the tick-tock of a clock in a song or movie .... symbolizes what?

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The passage of time

Symbols Used in the Arts

A candle has had many creative meanings throughout the history of art.

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• softness, relaxation;• spiritual guidance;• illumination & insight – seeing the way, understanding;• the supernatural or magic;• romance;• the soul; • hope.

So what might a door symbolize?

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A passage from one place to another.

And a key?

The way to unlock the passageway.

Colors as SymbolsColors often have symbolic

meaning in the arts.

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Artists (author, composer, choreographer, visual artist, poet, etc.) often use a particular color to mean something – to send a hidden message to the audience.

Color Meanings in the Arts

First, it’s important to understand that color meanings can change – they also vary from culture to culture. But, for our purposes, here are some basic color meanings in the arts.

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Color Meanings in the Arts

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- symbolizes nature, luck or money.GreenPurple - often represents royalty.

Black - can mean authority, power, evil, or death.

Red -represents danger, stop, or even love.

White - can mean purity, innocence, clean, or frozen.

Gold - symbolizes wealth.

Blue - represents peace & tranquility.

Let’s See Some Examples

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Test Your Comprehension & Creativity

Okay, Einsteins, time to show off!

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Think of a symbol for peace & tranquility.

What’s a way to symbolize love?

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How would you represent evil?

How about innocence & purity?

What do these images symbolize?

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It’s time to start analyzing the arts you experience. There’s lots of hidden meanings and

messages there waiting for you to figure out.

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It’s time to get mega-creative and have fun with symbolism in your pieces.