I tend to create solemn photos and within them an individual figure comes to represent either lonliness, or a solitary journey. This doesn’t mean, in the whole scheme of things that the figure is in life alone, but for this moment, when we see inside their head, they’re on a philosophical path that they must travel alone.
This got me thinking about numbers.
Would 1 figure be solitude, 2 relationships, and 3 balance? Or at least this is my interpretation, but number symbolism in art is a thing – although not the easiest to research. Here’s what I’ve found so far for numbers 1 – 13. Check out the links below for further information on this sometimes odd list.
- unity, self, God, the universe
- opposites, duality
- mystical, spiritual, the family unit, beginning, middle & end, the Holy Trinity
- earth & body – the four elements, cardinal directions, yearly seasons, the four humors
- magic, human life
- perfection, days of creation
- astrology, virtue & vices, rest, music, luck
- resurrection of Christ, paradise
- pain, sadness
- completeness, finality
- negativity, monsters
- the zodiac
- bad luck
Sources:
- https://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit4/unit4.html
- https://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit8/unit8.html
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/number-symbolism
While I love to sometimes consider color symbolism in my photos, I only very occasionally play with numbers. It’s interesting to see how numbers have been used historically, and I wonder how much this effects how people view the number of items in my photos and others.
One of these days, maybe I’ll create a 13 part series with items that represent each of the things in the list above…or maybe I’ll just stick to my beloved ‘1.’
What number is your favorite to use in your work? And what do you feel that number represents?
The Monochrome one is my favourite. Looks like something out of X-files. Lots of dread about it.
Thank you so so very much!
The monochrome is stunning!
Thank you!!
Your photos are amazing. I don’t often think of numbers in my photographs, but on the occasion that I do, I have a preference for odd numbers (usually 3) and I have no rhyme or reason as to why. :)
Thank you so so much! 3 is a good number.