The Alphabet of Symbols in Abstract Painting
Thick layers of raw, often cracked texture are enhanced and gaining a unique beauty owing it to the additional drawing and slightly applied colors. Sand or broken marble mixed with an acrylic binder is one of his preferred materials. Bartos’ sense of matter is full of concern for the facture.
The artist has reduced his alphabet of symbols to several forms that are able to convey a variety of tensions and emotions. His work is by definition basic rarely showing sophistication, but the more it is, the more it conveys his artistic vision
In abstract painting, symbols act as a visual language—an “alphabet” that conveys ideas, emotions, and concepts beyond the limits of traditional representation. This symbolic language is both personal and universal, allowing artists to express complex thoughts and feelings through forms, colors, and compositions that transcend literal interpretation.
Unlike letters in a written alphabet, which have fixed meanings, symbols in abstract painting are fluid and open to interpretation. They can take on various shapes and forms—geometric, organic, or even entirely invented by the artist. Circles, squares, triangles, and lines often serve as fundamental “characters” in this visual alphabet, each carrying its own set of associations. A circle, for example, might symbolize unity, eternity, or the cosmos, while a square could represent stability, order, or the material world. However, the meaning of these symbols can shift depending on their context within the painting, the colors used, and the viewer’s personal experiences.
The color palette in abstract painting also plays a crucial role in this symbolic alphabet. Colors can evoke a wide range of emotions and associations—red might symbolize passion or danger, blue might convey calm or sadness, and yellow might represent joy or enlightenment. When combined with abstract forms, these colors create a rich tapestry of meaning that can be interpreted in countless ways.
