Through this frame, art may be thought to be about and represent a visual language as a symbolic
system: a system of relationships between signs and symbols that are read and understood by artists and audiences who are able to decode texts. From this view, meaning is understood in terms of the relationships of symbols that are used to refer to the world. Through this system ideas are circulated and exchanged.
- From the HSC Visual Arts Syllabus
system: a system of relationships between signs and symbols that are read and understood by artists and audiences who are able to decode texts. From this view, meaning is understood in terms of the relationships of symbols that are used to refer to the world. Through this system ideas are circulated and exchanged.
- From the HSC Visual Arts Syllabus
When discussing an artwork through this frame you need to consider how it can be read and how its meaning understood, in terms of how specific symbols refer to the world. You will discuss how information is conveyed in artworks, what the formal and
organisational relationships in a work mean, and how the artwork shows a visual language at a certain time and over time.
organisational relationships in a work mean, and how the artwork shows a visual language at a certain time and over time.
Signs and symbols - The signs and symbols are one of the important elements of the structural frame.
Some signs and symbols are universal while others mean certain things to certain cultures and different things to others. Isn't it amazing how we can draw meaning from certain shapes and colours, like the little image above?! Try the quiz to the right to see how well you can interpret the traditional symbolic meanings in classical art. Key words and termsMedium, composition, signs, symbols, language, visual codes, techniques, forms, direction, colour, tone, texture
Focus questions for the structural frameWhat materials have been used?
Why were these symbols, signs selected? What do they mean? |
Describe the visual language of line, shape, colour, texture, tone, focal point, visual devices lighting, composition, and space.
What style, period, or art movement does this artwork belong to? How do you know?
What materials and processes have been used?
What symbolic value do the elements and objects in the artwork convey?
What are the relationships between the symbols and signs?
What formal conventions can you see? For example; use of perspective, tonal modelling?
What cultural conventions can you see? For example; landscape, portrait, nude?
How do all of these elements explain the world at the time and now?
What style, period, or art movement does this artwork belong to? How do you know?
What materials and processes have been used?
What symbolic value do the elements and objects in the artwork convey?
What are the relationships between the symbols and signs?
What formal conventions can you see? For example; use of perspective, tonal modelling?
What cultural conventions can you see? For example; landscape, portrait, nude?
How do all of these elements explain the world at the time and now?