| Symbols represent pictures, objects, written words, sounds or something like that and represent concepts, ideas, attitudes, feelings and beliefs. A number of them are commonly used, like a white rectangle on the red background referring to “Stop”, others have special meaning and stimulate deep emotions. For example, such symbols are the Star or David in Judaism or the crucifix in Christianity.
We all are surrounded by symbols. Every day we're faced with something that has a symbolic significance. You can find symbols on money, in music compositions, books, commercials, politics and so forth. To realize the meaning of a symbol a person should know what this symbol implies. For example, the Chinese symbol of yin and yang seems an amusing picture with white and black colors for people that don't know the underlying meaning of the sign. They can enjoy its aesthetic side and design, but they don't see more than that. Quite the contrary, if a person understands the origin of the symbol he or she sees not only a simple image, but an idea of deep correlation of things in our living.
During the whole history of humankind symbols were widely applied in art. So, one object on a painting can tell volumes about the situation, the thoughts of the painter, his view on life and beliefs. To understand the underlying significance of a book or a music composition we have to pay special attention to symbols. From time to time we need to read critics on a definite work of art to get the idea of the author. This is due to the complication of the language of symbols.
So what are the most widespread symbols in art and what do they refer to?
Amidst the most common symbols applied in pieces of art are books, candles, a clock and mirrors. A book generally stands for knowledge and learning. In case you see a burning candle on a picture it is in most cases a symbol of time passing or religion. From the other side, an extinguished candle stands for mourning and death. A clock signifies the passing of time. In this respect the world-famous painting of Salvador Dali known as “Melting clocks” signifies an idea that nothing in our lives complies with some rules. And eventually, a mirror signifies attempts to find the truth, but in some situations it just stands for the vanity.
In this way, symbols are everywhere in our world. We just need to pay a little more attention to details to see them. |
