Symbolism in art can be very impactful. For this module, we will be focussing on how we can use symbolism in art to respond to and understand environmental and global issues.

Part 1

Quick Introduction (10 minutes)

Short Informative Videos (20 minutes)

Pictures of Art Using Symbolism with descriptions (5 minutes)

A man is vacuuming the ground, but the vacuum cleaner looks like a city made of buildings. As he vacuums, trees get sucked up.

Symbolism:

This picture shows how cities and human growth can destroy nature. The man believes he is cleaning, but in reality he is removing life from earth. This is a message about how building too much can take away natural spaces and harm the planet.

Image Credit:

(Untitled image) Source: Pinterest, (original creator unknown).

Symbolism:

This image shows how people might have to depend on nature just to survive. The tree gives the man clean air to breathe, but it’s contained in a tank, separating it from the outside dirty air. This is a reminder that we need to protect nature before it is too late.

Image Credit

Madden, Chris. Atmospheric Pollution – Breathing Clean Air in a Polluted Atmosphere (env071a). Chris Madden Cartoons.

A man is wearing an oxygen tank, but instead of regular air, the tank has a small tree inside it. The world around him looks dirty and grey.
A man is washing his car. The dirty water runs down a cliff into buckets that people with limited financial resources are using to collect water.

Symbolism:

This picture shows that pollution and waste often harm poorer people the most. It’s a reminder that our actions affect people everywhere, especially those with fewer resources.

Image Credit:

(Untitled image) Source: Pinterest (original creator unknown).

Symbolism:

This image shows that humans can take from nature while pretending to care for it. The tree offers kindness by sharing its apples, but the man secretly plans to harm the tree. It is a warning about pretending to be kind to the environment while still destroying it.

Image Credit:

Utkal Gourab. (Untitled image). Instagram @utkal_gaurab. Source: Pinterest.

A man and a tree are smiling at each other. They are both hiding gifts from each other, but the man is hiding an axe behind his back, while the tree is hiding apples.

Picture of Art Using Symbolism without description (5 minutes)

Now that you’ve learned a bit about how artists use symbolism, it’s your turn to see what you understand!

Before you start please read ALL the steps below:

  • Don’t stress! This isn’t for marks, it’s just to help you (and me) see what you know.
  • Open the Google Form link below.
  • Type in your first name and last initial (e.g., Abigail H).
  • Look carefully at the first picture and select all the symbolism statements that match.
  • Then look at the second picture and select all the symbolism statements that match.
  • Click Submit when you’re done.
  • Take a moment to review your answers and think about what you did well and what you might need to understand further.

Now that you have read ALL the steps above, click the image below to access the google form.

Review the poster rubric (5-10 minutes)

Brainstorm ideas for your poster (20 minutes)

Reminder: Email your teacher with a definition of symbolism in your own words and what your ideas for the poster.