ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Symbolism (arts)

Symbolism in the arts is like a secret code that artists use to give their artwork a deeper meaning. It's like when you draw a heart to show love or a smiley face to show happiness, except that artists use symbols to show ideas, feelings, or things that are important to them.

For example, a rose can be a symbol of love or romance because it's often given as a gift to someone you love. A skull can also be a symbol of death or danger because it represents the end of life. Colors can also be symbols, such as yellow for happiness or red for passion.

Sometimes artists will also combine different symbols to create a new meaning. For instance, a heart with a broken arrow could mean that love can be painful or that a relationship has ended.

Symbolism is not always obvious, and it is up to the viewer to interpret the meaning behind the artwork. It's like a puzzle that you have to figure out, and sometimes it takes time to understand the true message that the artist is trying to convey.