Te Kete Ipurangi Navigation:

Te Kete Ipurangi
Communities
Schools

Te Kete Ipurangi user options:

English Online. Every child literate - a shared responsibility.

Learning task 3: Visual Elements - Symbols

Symbols

It is possible for someone to represent a whole range of thoughts, feelings, ideas and views with a few artfully placed items on a piece of paper. A key visual element is the symbol. Record and discuss the Definition of Symbol:

  • Something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial.
  • A symbol reveals that which is deeper than a sign. It goes beyond what the sign represents because it expresses a vast range of feelings and meanings. For example, a flag may be a sign representing your country and its identity; as a symbol it may express at a deeper level a whole range of feelings, experiences and meanings that the history of the country embodies.

Symbols are powerful visual elements and care must be taken in choosing them to communicate ideas. Even symbols that could be regarded as similar in theme have their own unique associations and connotations.

Work through the Activities thematic (RTF 531KB) .

Symbols can be combined in one image to create powerful messages. The arrangement and relationship between them are crucial. The power_symbol (RTF 2MB) is illustrated in the following examples.

A conventional symbol can form the basis of an image but be skillfully manipulated and presented to communicate a message that contradicts the initial emotive responses to the source symbol, thus enhancing the message.

Later on, you will be asked to conceive, plan and present a static image based on a current event. As a preliminary focusing activity, sketch and annotate a simple image to represent three of the ideas below, using readily recognised symbols:
1. A Meeting of Leaders
2. Free Trade
3. Civil War
4. Ethnic Cleansing
5. A Massacre
6. A Natural Disaster

Footer:

New Zealand Government

© Crown copyright.