The philosophy of symbolism in the visual arts

Abstract

This research thoroughly examines the complex and multifaceted nature of symbolism within ancient and contemporary visual (or plastic) arts. It explores the conceptual boundaries of the symbol and its evolving significations across disparate historical periods and cultural contexts. The study specifically analyzes the symbol's formal structure and semantic dimension, tracing their development alongside the associated connotations and spiritual meanings.

The core research problem is defined by the question of whether these embedded meanings are fixed or subject to dynamic change. Historically, symbols have played a pivotal role in human societies, often categorized into two main types: those derived from natural elements and those originating from living or mythical entities. These symbols inherently convey specific meanings, making them amenable to systematic analysis and interpretation based on their inherent content.

Furthermore, the paper addresses the concept of identity and its various manifestations, with the overarching aim of dispelling misconceptions and revealing the latent, often concealed, aspects of this concept.