| Symbols constitute objects, pictures, written words, sounds or something else and stand for thoughts, ideas, attitudes, beliefs and feelings. A number of them are commonly used, like a white rectangle on red background standing for “stop”, others have particular meaning and provoke deep feelings. For instance, such symbols are the Star or David in Judaism or the crucifix in Christianity.
We are surrounded by symbols. Every day we face with something that has a symbolic sense. You can find symbols on money, in books, commercials, music compositions, politics etc. To realize the meaning of a symbol a viewer has to know what this symbol signifies. For example, the Chinese symbol of "yin" and "yang" seems a funny picture with white and black colors for people that do not know the secret sense of the sign. They can enjoy its design and aesthetic side, but they don't see more than that. Quite the contrary, if a person knows the origin of the symbol he sees not just a simple picture, but an idea of deep interdependence of things in our life.
During the whole history of mankind symbols were vastly applied in art. This way, one object on a painting tells a lot about the ideas of the painter, his views on life and aspirations. To understand the secret meaning of a music composition or a book we have to be very attentive to details. Sometimes we need to read critics on a definite work of art so as to get the idea of the author. This is because the language of symbols is quite complicated.
So what are the most popular symbols in art and what do they represent?
Amongst the most common symbols applied in works of art are books, candles, a clock and a mirror. A book generally signifies learning and knowledge. If you see a burning candle on a painting it's in the majority of cases a symbol of faith in God or time passing. From the other side, a put-out candle refers to death and mourning. A clock stands for the passing of time. On this point the world-known painting of Salvador Dali known as “Melting clocks” implies an idea that nothing in our lives complies with some rules. And eventually, a mirror refers to attempts to get the truth, but in some situations it just signifies the vanity.
Thus, symbols are everywhere around us. We just need to be a little more attentive to details to see them. |
Article Details
