Exploring Symbolism Across Art Forms

Music, Art and Poetry (MAP) Sessions are hosted by The Teacher's Academy

As a part of our Thoughtful Thursday MAP series, on the 1st of May 2025, Brinda led a discussion on symbolism in poetry, using examples from poets like W.B. Yeats and Robert Frost, and introduced a contemporary Arabian poet, Norma Shehab Rai. The team also discussed the importance of symbolism in art, the complexity of paintings, and the use of symbolism in music, with Jatin explaining the symbolism of the swan in classical music compositions. The conversation ended with a discussion on the interconnectedness and multidisciplinary approach in their sessions and plans for future sessions.

Symbolism in Poetry: Universal and Personal

Brinda led a discussion on symbolism in poetry, explaining that authors use symbols to convey their intended message. She noted that this is particularly common in poetry, as it allows poets to express various emotions and phases in life without repetition. Brinda also mentioned that particular objects and natural elements have become universal symbols, while others are more personal and private. She used examples from poets like W.B. Yeats and Robert Frost to illustrate the use of symbols in their work. 

Symbolism in Frost's "Dust of Snow

Brinda discussed the symbolism in Robert Frost's poem "Dust of Snow," focusing on the crow, hemlock tree, and snow. She explained how these symbols represent darkness, evil, and purity and contribute to the poem's message about the transformative power of small, insignificant acts. Brinda also mentioned other poems by W.B. Yeats, such as "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," which convey similar themes of nature and the human experience. Finally, she introduced a contemporary Arabian poet, Norma Shehab Rai, and her poem "Hugging the Jukebox," which explores the intersection of memory and the Caribbean Sea.

Alfred's Passion for Music

Brinda discussed the story of a 6-year-old boy named Alfred who learns all the words to all the songs on his grandparents' jukebox and sings them. The grandparents, who can't sing, are amazed by Alfred's talent and impact on the community. Despite his young age, Alfred's passion for music is evident, and he continues to sing even when he's put to bed. The story highlights the power of music and the impact it can have on people's lives.

Symbolism in Art and Poetry

Brinda discussed the importance of symbolism in art, using the example of a jukebox as a symbol in a poem. She emphasised that symbols create an atmosphere and leave a lasting memory. Mr. Ghosh then spoke about symbolism in art, noting that it is not a new concept for Indians, as seen in their gods and goddesses. He highlighted that European artists took liberties with symbolism, making it difficult to understand their intended meanings.

Abstract Paintings and Symbolic Music

Subhashish discussed the paintings' complexity and abstract nature, noting that they often depict imaginary animals and are difficult to understand without research. She mentioned that these paintings are not necessarily representative of the period and are not commonly used by other artists. Brinda also pointed out the use of gloomy and dreamy colours in these paintings. The participants were encouraged to share their thoughts and reflections on the paintings before moving on to Jatin's explanation of the usage of symbolism in music.

Poetry Reading Session With Teacher Reading Her Submission

Rohini Agarwal, who was present, read her poem. 

Swan Lake: Music, Poetry, and Sports

Jatin discussed the symbolism of the swan in various mythologies and its use in classical music compositions. He shared his inspiration for choosing the Swan Lake composition by Tchaikovsky, which was initially composed in 1875 and is considered one of the most challenging pieces for ballerinas. Jatin also explained the plot of Swan Lake, which involves a king falling in love with a woman cursed by a sorcerer to transform into a swan. He mentioned the movie adaptation of Swan Lake, which used the Black Swan character to represent the mental state of the performer rather than the original plot. Jatin then shared a figure skating performance based on the Swan Lake composition, highlighting elements like 32 spins to express the character's vulnerability. 

Interconnected Sessions and Personal Reflections

Brinda discussed the interconnectedness and multidisciplinary approach, emphasising the benefits of broadening horizons and making connections. She encouraged participants to share their reflections and suggested improvements. Sandeep stressed the importance of being prepared and optimising time during sessions. Minakshi shared her experience with a teacher interested in joining the sessions, and Sandeep advised downloading the Zoom app for easier access. 

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Art and it's importance - Subrata Sarkar

Nowadays, Art is taught in every school to develop students’ strength to explore their emotions, opinions, and ideas through a required medium. Paintings and sculptures are popular forms of Art. Art is an expression of the reality of your core. If you can see the unique side of a situation which can’t be seen by the majority, you are an Artist. Art should be taught to every student to know another side of life.

Art is not only doing sketches and paintings but also managing our lives and making our surroundings beautiful by documenting that particular moment. Knowing Art is about creating a separate room in your mind. For example, ancient people used to live outside without homes; even now, only four walls and a ceiling are enough to protect themselves. Still, your mind will not be satisfied only by that, and you will need more unnecessary things to make the room beautiful because it’s a matter of your feeling.

Instead of four walls, you desire a beautiful architectural form and arranged environments around you. Documenting the moments through Art reminds us about our human revolutions so far. When studying Art or observing an object, you are trying to connect that particular object, feeling and knowing better about something or someone else. At that right moment, you may find a different meaning or perspective. That perspective is your contribution. So, Art helps build a relationship with everything around them, even with a single insect, and an artist can respect all their existence. That’s why an Art guru always seems to suggest observing things. Here Drawing is the best form of keeping something in detail.

Art is a practice of seeing life uniquely, and students may explore the bright side of negative things in life in terms of their career, visuals, feelings, opinion and many more. That’s why the mother of Art is combined with expression like singing, painting, dancing, writing, performance etc. At this moment, if the page of Art is wiped out from your life, your life will go blank because whatever you are wearing, how you are behaving, whatever you are talking about or making your life very simple & intelligent are the fundamental fragments of Art. Think once why only a particular thing is extraordinary for you, although plenty of similar items are available. If you can understand Art, that means you’re a devotee, or if you create Art, you are unique. As like we can feel a song profoundly but can’t sing. So, for the students, Art makes them realise how important their feelings are in the present time.

I have a task for you if you accept. Have you ever wondered why only something that you like in the universe without reason? Everyone loves flowers, even you also. If I ask you why do you love that? Why is it beautiful? Tell me the exact reason for the beauty of that flower? “I just like it” is not the answer. Go near a beautiful flower, observe it carefully along with your copy, and start writing about its beauty–it’s not a simple task. I’m sure your mind will go blank. You may feel but hard to express. It will be a unique achievement if you try and can write a few lines. That’s the supreme achievement in Art, as you deeply feel something and can make someone feel the same in the same density is a big challenge for an artist. This is how your mind is getting to be mastered.

Sometimes I am amazed by how ancient people struggled to document Art forms in caves in 40,000 BC. Today’s yield of success is derived from them. They were unique. If you start a journey of Art History towards prehistoric, you will be mesmerised at every turn. “Without our past, there is no future”.

ART: Art is an expression of values or emotions and the connection between qualities of a relationship (it could be anything), creating a form of whatever you think of. 

Subrata Sarkar
The Fabindia School

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