Art and Symbolism: Messages Behind Famous Artworks

Emotions are a powerful force that influence the choices we make every day. When someone is angry, they might act impulsively and later regret their decisions. On the other hand, a person in a good mood may feel more inclined to spread kindness. These emotions don’t just shape our actions—they also impact our creativity. A person may reflect on their past experiences, writing poems or creating art to express their feelings, regrets, or memories. This is true for many renowned painters, whose works are deeply connected to the emotions and messages they wish to convey. While their creations often require deeper interpretation, each piece is born from something personal, offering a glimpse into their emotional world.

1. Three Black Cats (Created by Maud Lewis in 1955)

Born in Nova Scotia, Maud Lewis was a Canadian folk artist whose paintings gained national attention. One of her most famous works, Three Black Cats, shows three cats in a field of tulips, surrounded by apple blossoms. At first glance, the painting might seem simple; however, this simplicity was a result of her arthritis, which proved to be a challenge for her when it came to painting. Despite this, she persevered, and her condition did not stop her from creating beautiful pieces that are still sold at a high price today. Her painting Three Black Cats is a representation of her childhood cat, named Fluffy. Through this painting, she not only gives insight into her past but also showcases her deep connection with her cat. It is clear that this meant a lot to her, as she repainted the cats multiple times and used them in other artworks. The painting gives off a feeling of positivity and shows Lewis’s unique style of using bold colors and simple shapes. Furthermore, the painting also teaches us to stay positive and strong, even when we face challenges in life.

2. Horse and Train (Created by Alex Colville in 1954)

Alex Colville was credited for his realism in painting, and his work includes paintings, printmaking, and drawings. At the time of his death, he was widely recognized as one of the best-known artists in Canada. One of his most iconic works, Horse and Train, shows a striking scene of a massive, black horse running calmly on a track while a heavily armored train speeds toward it. The art style and colors used are simple but effective. The painting emphasizes the movements of the subjects—the horse and the train. The horse appears calm and composed, not fazed by the massive train coming toward it at high speed. Through the painting, Colville may be attempting to display a symbolic conflict between the natural world, represented by the horse, and the rise of modernized civilization, embodied by the train. This contrast between the calmness of the horse and the motion of the train prompts us to reflect on the relationship between nature and industrial progress. In a broader sense, the painting resonates with present concerns about how technological achievements are impacting the environment, urging us to consider the consequences of our progress on the world around us.

3. The Ukrainian Pioneer (Created by Wiliam Kurelek 1971-1976)

A Ukrainian-Canadian artist as well as a writer, William Kurelek’s art was acknowledged for depicting his unique style as well as his immigrant experience in Canada. In 1964, Kurelek painted The Manitoba Party, using oil and masonite (a hardboard made of wood fibers) as well as vibrant colors to depict a scene of a Ukrainian celebration. The artwork shows a party with individuals serving and eating food, playing music, and engaging in conversations with others. The event is taking place on the prairie, inside a tent. The expressions and movements of the individuals at the party add life to the scene, making it look like everyone is having fun. There is a good possibility that this is what Kurelek wanted the viewer to see, as this artwork represents the social gatherings attended by different immigrant communities. The Manitoba Party serves as a reminder of Canada’s cultural diversity and how it is a part of the country’s history.

4. Queen On Moose (Created by Charles Pachter in 1972)

Charles Pachter is a well-known Canadian painter, printmaker, sculptor, and designer. His work reflects the love and pride he has for Canada, as well as its national symbols. Pachter uses vibrant colors and strong lines to make his pieces diverse and appealing to look at. One of his most famous artworks, Queen On Moose, shows Queen Elizabeth II saluting while riding a moose. At first glance, the painting seems humorous, though there is significance behind what is shown. The artwork reflects the ties of British royalty to Canada’s history. There is a shared system of values and governance, and because the moose is a recognized cultural symbol of Canada, this painting can be seen as Pachter’s commentary on Canada’s relationship with Britain. Charles Pachter is open about his patriotism, and this is one of his best works representing Canada’s historical identity.

5. Lumberman’s Cabin (Created by A.J. Casson in 1942)

A.J. Casson (Alexander Young Casson) was a notable Canadian artist. He specialized in creating landscapes, farms, and forests, using a diverse range of colors to add depth to his work. Casson was also one of the core members of the Group of Seven, a collaborative group of artists who shaped Canada’s identity through their depictions of the Canadian landscape. In 1942, he painted Lumberman’s Cabin, an artwork showing a cabin surrounded by trees. The painting focuses on warm colors, such as red and orange, along with harmonious light to create a peaceful atmosphere. There is an emphasis on simplicity; the cabin is not overly detailed, and proportions are not the focus of the artwork. Rather, blocky and simple shapes are used, as Casson’s paintings aimed to reflect the identity of Canada’s landscapes. The cabin, surrounded by forests, is a symbol of the peaceful environment found across much of Canada. By simplifying forms to their core, using expressive color, and focusing on mood, Casson succeeded in instilling a sense of identification with the Canadian landscape that was more about emotion and identity than precise, realistic representation.

It's important for us to understand how our intentions and emotions influence our actions and creativity. By knowing this relationship, we can learn to direct the proper emotions and intentions into all that we do, maximizing the effect of our efforts.

Sources: National Gallery of Canada, Art Canada Institute, Cowley Abott, Wikipedia