by Editor Jane Lyons
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 14^th of August 2026 

“Apple Street” by Shinji Isobe

“Truth is an arrow and the gate is narrow that it passes through." ~Bob Dylan~

The arrow — seven simple lines forming the universal symbol of direction — is a gift to photographers.
Despite its simplicity, its graphic power and iconic form can create movement, suggest direction and introduce a dynamic shape that has the power to transform an ordinary photograph into something extraordinary. As the arrow is universally understood, it transcends its role as a design element to become an instantly recognizable visual language that transcends culture and geography.

The arrow symbolizes forward movement, making it a natural emblem of progress, ambition, the future and reaching one's destination. Visually, it commands attention, leading the viewer's eye through a composition and adding energy, tension and purpose. Arrows are everywhere we look — on streets and highways, in airports, on digital screens, in architecture and on products — guiding the movement of people, information and machines.

“Which Way” by Reiko Kiri

”right turn ahead” by Linda Wride

“This Way” by Kieron Long

“</> “ by Hans-Wolfgang Hawerkamp

“Step by Step” by Karol Vazan

“Wrong Direction” by Pier Giorgio Franco

“Stupid Cupid” by Carlo Ferrara

“the roundabout” by Adrian Donoghue

“running mate’ by Gilbert Claes

“Exit” by Hadi Malijani

The use of the arrow as an abstract symbol dates back less than four hundred years. Early maps and diagrams depicted arrows as an archer's weapon, complete with a point, a shaft and fletching. Over time, this form was simplified into the clean, triangular point and linear shaft that we recognize today, enabling the arrow to become one of the world's most efficient graphic symbols.

The arrow also has rich symbolic meaning in many cultures. In many indigenous traditions, a single arrow represents protection, defense and alertness. A broken arrow has long been a symbol of peace and the end of conflict, while two crossed arrows signify friendship, alliance and a close bond between individuals or communities.

“A Slight Twist to the Story” by Wayne Pearson

“Maverick” by Carlo Ferrara

“Choices” by Kosta Dupcinov

“arrow without target” by Roswitha Schleicher-Schwarz

“untitled” by Tatsuo Suzuki

“Waves” by Alfonso Novillo

“unreachable top” by Ben Goossens  ✝

The arrow offers photographers endless creative possibilities. It can be the subject itself or be used as a compositional device to direct the viewer's gaze, create visual rhythm or introduce irony when its direction contrasts with the action in the frame. Whether bold or subtle, literal or abstract, the arrow has the power to organize a photograph and strengthen its visual impact.

“That Way” by Ivan Lesica

“unlocked” by leontjew

“One Way” by Roxana Labagnara

“that way’ Lus Joosten

“street corner” by Bror Johansson

“Tricolor” by Tetsuya Hashimoto

'Vivie in Williamsburg, Brooklyn' by Jane Lyons

The Art Object series aims to inspire our current members while celebrating the brilliance of the photographers whose original, inventive and compelling images fill our archives. Exploring familiar objects with fresh eyes reveals that even the simplest graphic form, such as the arrow, can be an extraordinary subject for photographic expression.