Which MBTI Type Seeks Symbolism in Art? Understanding the Symbolic Mind in Personality Psychology

In the realm of art, different people have different perspectives on paintings and poems. Others are drawn to deeper meanings, such as metaphors, archetypes, hidden themes, and symbolism, while others value technical proficiency or beauty. Which MBTI type is interested in symbolism in art? This is an intriguing question.

Which Myers-Briggs personality types are most likely to look for symbolic meaning in artistic expression, and why, is examined in this article.

The Role of MBTI in Art Interpretation

A personality type based on how individuals view the world and make decisions is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Four cognitive functions are used to categorize its sixteen personality types:

Comparing extraversion (E) and introversion (I)

Sensing (S) against Intuition (N)

Thinking (T) against Feeling (F)

Perceiving (P) versus Judging (J)

The two most significant MBTI dimensions in relation to artistic symbolism are Sensing (S) and Intuition (N).

Thinking (T) against Feeling (F)

These influence the depth of a person’s meaning-seeking and the emotional interpretation of artistic aspects.

What Does It Mean to Seek Symbolism in Art?

To seek symbolism in art means you’re not just looking at what is presented visually or literally, but searching for:

• Hidden messages
  
• Archetypal stories
  
• Metaphors
  
• Emotional subtext
  
• Cultural or spiritual significance
  

Symbolism seekers often ask:

• “What does this represent?”
  
• “What emotion is being conveyed underneath?”
  
• “Is this color or shape symbolic?”

Top MBTI Types That Seek Symbolism in Art

1. INFJ – The Insightful Counselor

Nickname: The Advocate
Cognitive Stack: Ni – Fe – Ti – Se

INFJs are deeply intuitive and introspective. Their dominant function, Introverted Intuition (Ni), makes them naturally drawn to hidden layers of meaning, especially in abstract or emotional art. INFJs often interpret paintings, songs, or films as metaphors for inner truths or human suffering. Symbolism, to them, is a window into the soul and the subconscious.

Example: An INFJ may interpret a stormy sky in a painting as a representation of emotional turmoil or suppressed grief.

2. INFP – The Idealistic Dreamer

Nickname: The Mediator
Cognitive Stack: Fi – Ne – Si – Te

INFPs view art through an emotional and symbolic lens, guided by Introverted Feeling (Fi) and Extraverted Intuition (Ne). This combination leads them to explore personal and philosophical meaning in everything they see. INFPs often create or appreciate symbolic art that reflects themes of morality, self-discovery, and existential longing.

Example: An INFP might see a broken mirror in an artwork as a symbol of fragmented identity or the distortion of self-perception.

3. INTJ – The Strategic Visionary

Nickname: The Mastermind
Cognitive Stack: Ni – Te – Fi – Se

INTJs are less emotionally reactive than INFPs or INFJs, but they are equally invested in patterns, archetypes, and metaphysical concepts. Their love for strategy and abstract systems makes them seek symbolism not for emotional catharsis, but for intellectual insight or predictive meaning. They enjoy decoding the hidden logic behind visual or literary art.

Example: An INTJ might analyze a film’s recurring imagery as symbolic of power structures or philosophical ideologies.

4. ENFP – The Enthusiastic Explorer

Nickname: The Campaigner
Cognitive Stack: Ne – Fi – Te – Si

ENFPs approach art with curiosity and emotional depth. Their Extraverted Intuition (Ne) helps them see endless possibilities in a single image or concept. They enjoy exploring symbolic themes in stories, media, and visual art, often relating them back to their personal values or human potential.

Example: An ENFP might view a tree growing through concrete as a symbol of resilience and the triumph of nature or spirit.

Other MBTI Types and Their Artistic Focus

Other MBTI types interact with art in different ways, but the aforementioned types are more likely to actively seek symbolism:

Sensing (S) types, such as ISTP and ESFP, may be less interested in underlying meaning and more on shape, texture, reality, or direct effect.

Thinking (T) types might be more interested in logic and structure than in symbolic or emotional content.

While it’s less likely to be their main perspective while interacting with art, this doesn’t imply other types can’t appreciate symbolism. 

Why Symbolism Appeals to Intuitive Types

Symbolism appeals to intuitive types because:

• It allows them to connect abstract ideas
  
• It feeds their love for metaphors and depth
  
• It helps them process emotion and identity
  
• It gives art a timeless, philosophical resonance
  

For intuitive types, symbolism is not just artistic fluff — it’s a way to understand the world, others, and themselves.

How to Know If You’re a Symbolism-Seeker in Art

You likely seek symbolism in art if you:

• Prefer abstract or surreal art over photorealism
  
• Are drawn to poetry, myths, or metaphors
  
• Often ask “what does this represent?” when viewing a piece
  
• Find deeper meaning in shapes, colors, and composition
  
• Enjoy decoding films, songs, or books with layered themes

Conclusion

Which MBTI type is looking for symbolism in art, then? The INFJ, INFP, INTJ, and ENFP types are the ones who actively seek for the underlying meanings behind artistic representations, even if many types can appreciate symbolic expression. They are naturally drawn to symbolism in the visual, literary, and musical arts because of their intuitive minds and profound emotional or philosophical understanding.

If you think that a painting, poem, or movie has layers of meaning, you probably have an intuitive personality type and are passionate about the hidden meanings.

FAQs About MBTI and Symbolism in Art

1. Can Sensing types enjoy symbolism in art?

Yes, but it’s typically not their default focus. They may enjoy symbolism when it’s more concrete or tied to real-world experiences.

2. Why do intuitive types love symbolism?

Because symbolism helps them make abstract or emotional connections, and it allows them to explore deeper existential or philosophical themes.

3. Are INFJs more drawn to symbolic art than other types?

Yes, INFJs often top the list because of their introspective nature and focus on inner meaning and universal patterns.

4. Can MBTI types change over time and affect artistic preference?

While your core MBTI type is relatively stable, your interests and preferences can evolve with maturity and experience.

5. Is seeking symbolism a sign of intelligence?

Not necessarily — it’s more about cognitive preferences. Symbolism-seeking reflects a deep, intuitive processing style, not IQ.