Symbolism and Meaning in Artwork Analysis

Introduction

Signs and symbols play a major role in artwork since they are blocks that give meaning to it. Most artists use visual cues like signs and symbols to convey ideas, emotions, and messages. Most artists use visual cues like signs and symbols to communicate ideas, emotions, and messages; artwork relies on symbols and signs as fundamental elements that give meaning to them. The forms sign and symbols take can vary greatly, including colors, shapes, objects, and even their arrangement within a composition (Sachant 28). The unification of these elements creates a comprehensive meaning in the artwork.

Artist One

Tony Albert is an Australian contemporary artist who uses various mediums, including sculpture, installation, and photography, among his media of choice to convey his messages using different signs and symbols in artworks such as YRROS and Roland Exotic Other; Albert challenges dominant norms and also criticizes existing power structures.

YRROS artwork, created in 2008, consists of a series of toy soldiers wearing military badges, arranged in the shape of the word “YRROS,” placing toy soldier figurines displaying various military insignia into the shape of the word ‘YR ROS,’ which spells ‘SOLDIER’ backward (C& 10). The work critiques the Australian military’s treatment of the indigenous people and the historical and ongoing violence against them. The badges worn by soldiers in Australia’s military signify the several aimed at Indigenous people, including Frontier Wars and Northern Territory Intervention. Questioning the morality and effectiveness of military action, Albert comments on the deployment of Australian troops overseas by using toy soldiers. In addition to this, the Aboriginal flags within the artwork express Indigenous fortitude and lineage, while the accompanying text debates biased misconceptions towards Indigenous populations.

Through his 2018 work ‘Exotic Other,’ Albert explores how colonialism and racism still affect Indigenous people today. The artwork showcases a European coat of arms, text, a kangaroo, and a human skull. Exotic Other by Tony Albert contains pictures of human skulls and other symbols, including guns and military helmets (C& 10). Somebody can interpret the ongoing impact of colonialism and militarism on Indigenous communities through these symbols. Furthermore, they underscore the persistent battle for Indigenous people’s rights and identity. The purpose behind using such symbols is to highlight how violence has affected indigenous communities and make viewers aware of their contribution toward established systems of power.

According to Sachant (32), human skulls are often incorporated into art, especially in artworks that explore themes concerning death, the passage of time, and the cycle of life and death. Besides, incorporating skulls into symbolism has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times when they were utilized in rituals and decoration. As a result, he uses the human skull as a symbol of Indigenous people’s experience of violence and death that has resulted from colonialism and the ongoing systemic oppression Sachant 32). As Australia’s national symbol, the kangaroo embodies Indigenous culture and the country. The European coat of arms conveys the continuing impact of colonialism and oppression on Indigenous people in Australia. As a result, this text challenges the established ideas that Indigenous communities are perceived as exotic or primitive by highlighting harmful and dehumanizing stereotypes present in popular media. The skulls used in this context refer to the violence and oppression that Indigenous Australians have faced due to colonialism. Moreover, it functions as a memo of the sustained effect of this legacy on Indigenous communities nowadays.

In conclusion, the application of signs and symbols within the artwork by Tony Albert reveals the ongoing hurdles that Indigenous Australians face. Also, it reproaches the lasting power hierarchies which contribute to their mistreatment. Subverting familiar images and symbols, Albert challenges viewers to question their assumptions and confront uncomfortable truths about the country’s history and present. To sum up, Albert effectively communicates his political and social commentary through signs and symbols, drawing attention to important issues that shape Australian society.

Artist two

Titian is a celebrated Italian artist of the Renaissance period who is well known for his detailed mastery of color and the ability to convey meaning through art. Some of his famous artworks Venus of Urban and Assumption of the Virgin, showcase his skills in depicting the human form and religious themes (Nga.gov). The depiction of artwork portraying a naked woman believed to be the goddess of love –Venus includes many symbols and signs that aid in expressing its meaning. The dog that lies on her feet, representing loyalty and fidelity, is sharply contrasted with what is implied by her handmaiden holding up a mirror—vanity, and lust. The myrtle plant symbolizing love, marriage, and fertility, lies in the background. Additionally, the artist uses gold jewelry adorning her wrist and fingers to depict the woman’s prosperity and influence. Besides, the act of spreading apart her fingers on the right hand is considered by many as an invitation to experience sensual pleasures while at the same time claiming ownership over oneself.

In Assumption of the Virgin depicts the ascension of the Virgin Mary into heaven. The artwork contains signs and symbols that help express the event’s spiritual and divine nature. Using the red robe to depict Virgin Mary depicts her as a pure, motherly presence with divine qualities. She stands atop white drapery, which represents purity and virginity. Meanwhile, angels surrounding her symbolize they are divine messengers and celestial beings. Besides, the blue cloth hanging over her implies heavenliest, divine beliefs and never-ending existence. The followers of Jesus who witnessed his ascent are portrayed as apostles at the bottom of this artwork.

In conclusion, Artists use designs and symbols to establish an exceptional visual language unique to their work. Through the signs and symptoms, artists are in a position to communicate complex thoughts and emotions, which may be hard to express solely in words. Therefore, incorporating symbols and signs into artworks helps to create cohesiveness among disparate elements to generate feelings of unity. The way viewers interpret signs and symbols in the artwork is often subjective because of their personal experiences and cultural upbringing. Therefore, the meaning of a symbol varies depending on the context in which it is used and the viewer’s cultural background. This allows for a rich and diverse interpretation of the artwork, as different viewers may see different meanings in the same piece.

Works Cited

C& 10. “Tony Albert: ‘My Work Looks at Optimism in the Face of Adversity.’” Contemporary And, contemporaryand.com/magazines/tony-albert-my-work-looks-at-optimism-in-the-face-of-adversity

Nga.gov. Titian, Venus with a Mirror, 1555.” Nga.gov, 2019, www.nga.gov/collection/highlights/titian-venus-with-a-mirror.html.

Sachant, Pamela J., et al. Introduction to Art : Design, Context, and Meaning. University Of North Georgia Press, 2016.