an object, shape, or image that stands for or represents an idea or meaning

the use of symbols to communicate ideas, emotions, or stories in art

how we explain or find meaning in what we see

the shared ideas, customs, and art of a group of people

Symbolism and stories in art, craft and design

Art and design

Drawing: create a character for a story

Develop understanding of symbolism: collect and draw objects

Plan a story artwork including character and objects

Develop a story: creating a scenic composition

Complete a story artwork: colour and detail

Pupils will investigate how artists create meaning and tell stories through their art. They will investigate symbolism in art and develop understanding that visual art, craft and design has multiple meanings beyond its surface depiction to support the development of their own visual literacy.

Meaning and symbolism in art: drawing and painting

Which of these is an example of cultural symbolism?

What kind of symbols did Frida Kahlo use in her paintings?

Put these steps in the right order for interpreting an artwork.

What word describes how you understand the meaning of an artwork?

What does blending mean when using colouring pencils or paint?

Put these painting actions in the correct order.

Starter Quiz

What is a symbol in art?