An entertaining deep dive into the world of Symbolism and why it still hits hard in today’s art scene.
What Even Is Symbolism?
Let’s set the mood. Imagine a painting: a lone candle flickering beside a skull, a wilting rose resting near a book, a crow perched ominously in the corner. Spooky? Yes. Meaningful? Absolutely. Welcome to the world of Symbolism, where nothing is as simple as it looks, and every object, color, and gesture whispers a deeper truth.
Born in the late 19th century as a rebellious shrug to industrialism and realism, Symbolism was a moody, mystical art movement that leaned hard into dreams, emotions, and all things mysterious. Think of it as the Tumblr of 1800s art: brooding, poetic, and emotionally charged.
From Crows to Candles: What Symbolism Actually Does
Symbolism isn’t about painting what you see; it’s about painting what you feel, what you fear, or what’s buried deep in your subconscious. In the hands of artists like Gustave Moreau, Odilon Redon, or Frida Kahlo (yes, she counts too), the canvas becomes a psychic space where serpents, eyes, moons, and moths speak louder than people ever could.
Let’s break it down:
- Roses = love, obviously… but also secrecy, blood, or even political revolution.
- Crows = death, transformation, mystery (or just a very metal aesthetic).
- Snakes = rebirth, temptation, or healing, depending on your vibe, or your therapist.
Symbolism invites the viewer to decode, interpret, and feel. It’s less “what’s it about?” and more “what does it mean?”
Why Symbolism Still Slaps in 2025
Contemporary artists are absolutely feasting on Symbolism. In a hyper-digital world of memes and micro-emotions, using symbols in visual art is basically an art form of code-switching for the soul. From Instagram-era mysticism to gallery works that blend religious iconography with pop culture, symbols are everywhere, and they’re getting weirder, wilder, and more personal.
Artists like Wangechi Mutu, Kara Walker, and David Altmejd twist Symbolist DNA into surreal, politically charged sculptures and installations. Even digital artists are riffing on the aesthetic glitches, butterflies, neon halos, and snakes all carry weight.
TL;DR: Symbolism Is the Secret Language of Great Art
Whether you’re painting, collecting, scrolling, or just vibing, understanding Symbolism adds a layer of magic to how you see art and the world. It transforms a still life into a spiritual map, a portrait into a psychological puzzle, and a TikTok mood board into a modern myth.
Bonus Symbolist Work in Literature:
- “Les Fleurs du mal” by Charles Baudelaire (1857)
This poetry collection inspired generations of Symbolist artists and writers, full of sensual, melancholic, and spiritual themes.
Start your own Symbolist journey. Next time you see a skull, a flower, or a lone figure in a misty forest, ask yourself: What’s it trying to tell me? Then go make something weird, meaningful, and unapologetically symbolic.
Looking to explore more art genres? Head over to JoeLatimer.com for a multidisciplinary, visually stunning experience. ☮️❤️🎨
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