Symbolic Interpretation of Personal Experience Narratives in Visual Art: A Study of Issarezal Ismail’s Artworks in the Solo Exhibition “Thank You for the Lessons You Have Taught Me”

Artworks are often inspired by personal experiences that give profound meaning to an artist’s visual expression. These experiences, which include emotional aspects, life events, and observations of the environment, are frequently translated by the artist into artworks that serve as a medium for conveying various narratives and allowing space for multiple interpretations. This study aims to analyze and interpret the signs and symbols found in six artworks from the solo exhibition titled Thank You for the Lessons You Have Taught Me, produced by Issarezal Ismail in 2023. The study adopts a qualitative approach, focusing on descriptive and holistic explanations. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis to examine the artworks. A conceptual framework was developed based on relevant concepts to analyze the symbolism of personal experiences in Issarezal Ismail's artwork. The results of the analysis show that Issarezal Ismail's artworks contain symbols that frame life experiences as a medium for self-reflection, thoughtfully developed and conveyed through visuals rich in symbolism. This study also found that the creative process requires mental and emotional resilience and reflects the complex interaction between the individual and the field of art.