THE INTERPRETATION OF SYMBOLS IN VISUAL ARTS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARTWORK WHICH SYMBOLISES THE EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS OF LOSS

Abstract

          This study focuses on the interpretation of symbol in contemporary artworks that draw inspiration from the grief of losing a loved one. The objective is to decipher the meaning of symbols used in 3 contemporary artworks of 3 artists including Frida Kahlo, Montien Boonma, and Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook. The study then inspires a set of original artworks which use symbol as replacement and representation of grief and loss.

          The researcher there were 5 original artworks created with the different purposes, such as 3 pieces for pre-research and 2 pieces during the research. In addition, a further 5 artworks were produced after acquiring knowledge and insights from interpreting symbols used in the case studies. The result of the study can be summarized in the following ways. 1) using symbol as a way to convey content by integrating the traditional beliefs of the artist as part of the message ; 2) using symbol for its form and shape, which is out of touch with reality in order to display a connection between two dimensions including reality and human emotion and; 3) using it as technical processes or methods of creation, for example, equipment or material that is deeply emotional linkage to past memories.

          According to The Five Stages of Grief developed by Kubler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist, the results of an analysis can be concluded as   follows: 1) in the stage of denial, the use of symbol is more abstract than concrete; 2) in the stage of bargaining, there is the use of material, texture, and color to represent meaning, memory, and a reminiscent atmosphere and; 3) in the stage of acceptance, the use of symbol is more concrete than abstract, for example, the use of people, animals, objects, or places to represent the feelings of sadness.

          The result show that, by taking advantage of knowledge gained from the case studies, it is able to better understand the process of artwork creation with symbol being used as part of the storytelling. Moreover, this research provides a significant opportunity for creating a set of artworks which tells a personal story and at the same time provides a therapeutic and healing process from grief and loss of a loved one.