Symbolism

Symbolism is defined as the applied use of symbols, which are concepts which carry certain archetypal meanings or ideas. As opposed to simple representation, symbolism employs specific symbols for their abstract or figurative meanings, not literal properties. Symbolism can result in a broad range of meanings, for the interpretation of symbols (however definite they might be) is always relative or personal. By using symbols, the creator (often an artist) invests the concept, item, or image with symbolic meaning. However, that meaning may transcend the creator’s original intention as a new viewer considers the symbolism. Symbolism is key to understanding the meaning of works of art in particular, for by analyzing both an artifact’s physical construction and its historical/social/political/cultural context, an intangible symbolic meaning may naturally develop, thereby aiding the viewer in imagining the artist’s intent.

(Graciela Kincaid, November 28 2008, 12:20 pm.)

Posted at Nov 29/2008 11:50AM:
Though symbols can carry varying connotations from individual to individual, they nevertheless create impressions that typically fall in line with a work’s chosen themes. As a result, symbolism is a valuable method through which an author can further the aims of his or her work. Representations that are contained in the Ara Pacis Augustae exemplify this feature; one such symbol, present in the Tellus frieze, is a vase from which rippling water flows. Though the depiction can foster a number of interpretations, a few of which being a river’s birth, a pastoral environment or healthy abundance, it is seen as a symbol of harmony in these analyses. Consequently, the symbol portrays the Peace Altar’s themes of peace and prosperity. (Emily Li, November 29, 2008, 11:50 am)

Posted at Dec 01/2008 01:34PM:
Alex Yuly: Symbolism refers to the use of specific images to reference something other than the image itself. Symbols are not to be taken from an exclusively literal standpoint; rather, they serve as metaphors. The Hanging Gardens were planted with trees, but the trees serve more than a simple utilitarian purpose; they also represent divinity as the Mesopotamian tree-god Nin-Gishzida. In addition, an artist and viewer may interpret symbols differently, but where a symbol exists, there is always something meant to be interpreted beyond the literal context of the object.

Symbolism is the use of an object to represent something else. This object can be used to refer to a person, ideology, religion, event, or any other broad range of things. Artists often incorporate symbols in order to escape ridicule for directly incorporating an image of something unpopular or taboo. Symbols also allow for a reference to other stories, myths, religious tales, or people without requiring extensive representation that may be unrelated to the piece being created. Symbols are easily slipped into paintings, sculpture, monuments or buildings, creating a more rich artifact. Symbols allow for interpretation of an art form to go beyond the physical, and connect to broader subject matter and be placed in context.

--Brooke Dalury

Symbolic art uses depictions to represent an event, custom, or ideology. The art can refer to both realistic, or mythological situations, drawing attention to the importance of the situation as being particularly salient to their society. The Panathenaic frieze is a depiction of a religious procession. Symbolically, it represents the importance of the festival and rituals of the Athenians, depicting scenes of sacrificial animals being slaughtered, and the clothing of the Athenian stature, two traditions symbolically salient to their history. --Richard Ramirez