Higher Exam - Symbolism

In the Higher Art in Design Exam you will be asked to discuss the following elements of Symbolism: 

• representation

• connotation — meaning, implication, suggestion, association, inference, feeling communicated

• denotation — literal meaning, significance, importance

The Artist has painted the majority of the sculpture is blue, which stops abruptly in a line across the boys chest. This, along with the cans and bottles surrounding the boy’s torso, suggests that he is standing in polluted water.

The artist has chosen a bleached-out colour for the boy’s upper body and the cans above the water line, this unhealthy colour suggests that the earth has been stripped of its colour and vibrancy due to waste and pollution.

The multiple bottles, cans and plastics that sit horizontally alongside the young boy suggest that the water is littered with rubbish. This implies that we are polluting our seas and spoiling natural resources for future generations

The close contact of the debris to the swimming boy symbolises the overwhelming volume of rubbish in the sea. This can be seen as there is no space between the figure and the bottles, suggesting there is no room to move

The stretched stance of the boy on top of the plinth suggests he is trying to stay above the rising sea levels created by global warming

Higher Exam - Imagery

In the Higher Art in Design Exam you will be asked to discuss the following elements of Imagery: 

• drawing, painting, illustration, photography

• fantastical or imaginary images

• symbolism

The artist has painted a large building to the left of the composition which resembles a castle therefore signifies importance and grandeur of the subject.

The artist has painted warm orange colours in the trees and we can also see the white evident in the distant mountains which suggests the landscape was captured during the seasonal change between autumn and winter creating a cold autumnal day atmosphere.

The artist has created a realistic portrayal of the entire environment which suggests a peaceful secluded location, this is reinforced by the mountains and the lake surrounding the château.

The small sailing boat to the right of the castle indicates some human presence and movement. The moving boat contrasts with the stillness of the environment and suggests a leisure activity, rather than one of work.