Symbols have been integral to human culture for thousands of years, from ancient cave paintings to the modern-day logos we encounter symbolism in art on a daily basis.
But what exactly is a symbol? At its core, a symbol is something tangible, an object, shape, or colour that represents an abstract idea. It’s a bridge between the seen and the unseen, the known and the mysterious. While some symbols are deeply rooted in cultural or mythological traditions, others are personal, emerging from the artist’s unique perspective.
Why do we all see the same things?
One of the most fascinating aspects of symbols is their universality.
Across cultures, we see recurring motifs that symbolise life and growth, such as circles representing eternity, and water embodying purification or transformation.
These symbols, often tied to mythology and folklore, resonate because they tap into shared human experiences. These phenomena, can be tied to global transcendence, at least in the form of communication through devices we have readily available.
For example, the tree of life appears in many traditions, from Norse mythology’s Yggdrasil to the Bodhi tree in Buddhism.
If you’re looking for art with symbols, you can draw on these rich histories, incorporating such symbolism to evoke timeless themes or reinterpret them to reflect modern contexts.
The Symbolic Hues in Art
Colours and textures are among the most potent symbolic tools in an artist’s arsenal.
Consider how the colour red often conveys passion, danger, or power, while blue suggests tranquillity or spirituality. If you’re looking for a fantastic book that explores this topic, check out The Brilliant History of Color in Art.
Textures, too, can evoke meaning. The smooth surface of a object might symbolise clarity or peace, while a rough, chaotic shapes and texture conveys struggle or tension.
A notable example is the work of Vincent van Gogh, whose bold use of colour and textured brushstrokes symbolised his emotional intensity.
In his more popular painting Starry Night, swirling skies and vibrant yellows evoke a sense of wonder and longing, turning a simple night scene into a profound exploration of the human spirit. There is a darker side to his polarising creations, but I’ll save that for another blog.
Mythology Found in Modern Art
Throughout history, mythology has been a rich source of symbolism.
Artists like Gustav Klimt and Salvador Dalí incorporated mythological motifs to explore human desires, fears, and aspirations.
Today, contemporary artists continue this tradition, often blending ancient symbols with modern themes to challenge or expand their meaning.
For instance, the ankh, an ancient Egyptian symbol of life, has slowly found its way into modern design and art, representing not just life but also cultural heritage and resilience. By reimagining symbols like the ankh, artists connect the past to the present, creating works that feel both timeless and relevant. Tracing back the timeline of symbols will have you thinking far and wide about how ideas shift across cultures and begin to change meaning.
Make Your Symbolism Personal
While universal symbols are powerful, personal symbolism adds a unique voice to an artist’s work.
By reflecting on personal experiences, values, or beliefs, artists can create symbols that resonate on a deeply individual level. These symbols become an intimate language, inviting viewers to uncover layers of meaning.
Take Frida Kahlo, for example.
Her self-portraits are rich with personal symbols, monkeys representing playfulness and protection, or broken columns symbolising physical and emotional pain. These elements not only reveal Kahlo’s inner world but also connect with audiences by addressing universal themes of love, suffering, and resilience.
Top 4 ways to Incorporate Symbols Into Your Art
So how can you, as an artist, weave symbols into your creations?
1. Research Mythology and Culture: Cultures present a beautiful avenue to folklore and mythologies. You’ll discover motifs that can add depth and universality to your work.
2. Explore Colours and Forms: Experiment with colour palettes and shapes that resonate with your theme. Ask yourself what emotions or ideas you want them to convey.
3. Use Texture and Medium: The materials you choose can act as symbols in themselves. Rough clay, flowing paint, or layered collage can all add metaphorical meaning and depth.
4. Create a Visual Language: Develop a consistent set of symbols that reflect your personal story or artistic message. Over time, these symbols will become a signature of your style.
Symbolism is more than a tool. If you don’t fall down the rabbit hole researching with artists like Jean Delville , it’s a gateway to abstract storytelling with personality and vigour.
By integrating symbols into your art, you invite viewers to journey beyond the surface, exploring ideas and emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken.
Art becomes more than an object to observe; it transforms into a conversation, a mystery, a mirror reflecting our shared humanity.
Ask questions regarding composition, colour and placement. Lead the viewer into your world and guide them through carefully placed dialogue
