Symbolism is the practice of attributing meaning to objects, events or relationships. Symbols can tell a deeper, more personal story. People can use symbols in many different ways; through stories, poetry and painting, but are not limited to these topics. Francis Bacon used many symbols in his paintings. In this way he not only gave the viewer something to look at but something to decipher. This way Bacon could tell his life story, show his emotions, and give a deeper meaning to something he enjoyed. Francis Bacon, through his life and painting style, creates a memoir in his 1973 Self-Portrait. Although Bacon's life was problematic, success came from his paintings. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, on October 28, 1909. He was the son of a former soldier and heiress. Bacon suffered terribly from asthma. In 1925 his father caught him wearing his mother's underwear and fishnet stockings. He was kicked out of the house. At 16, she was living a bohemian life in London. After the words Bacon moved to Berlin and then returned to London. While in Berlin he discovered sexual freedom and emotional and physical violence. Four years after being expelled from home, he exhibited his first works in an exhibition. In 1940 Francis Bacon's father died. During the Second World War he joined the Air Raid Precautions rescue service. At this time he was still exhibiting his paintings. In need of money, Bacon became a painting tutor at the Royal College. By 1948 Bacon was known to be one of the most influential artists of his time. In the same year he joined a private club. Bacon was offered £10 and free drinks for taking his customers to the bar. At eighty he was still living on...... middle of paper ...... eating his works of art. By doing these things he created the story of his life. Telling your story isn't limited to art. People can showcase their lives by writing and even performing. Each has their own unique way of telling their story for Francis Bacon through artwork. Works Cited "Francis Bacon". Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 421-422.Gale Virtual Reference Library. Network. November 21, 2013. "Francis Bacon." Gay and lesbian biography. Ed. Michael J. Tyrkus and Michael Bronski. Detroit:St. James Press, 1997. Biography in context. Network. November 21, 2013.Langer, Cassandra. “Was Francis Bacon serious?” The worldwide gay and lesbian magazine 16.5 (2009): 14+. Biography in context. Network. November 26, 2013. Yezzi, David. "Bacon's Theater of the Absurd." New Criterion 27.4 (2008): 25+. Biography in context. Network. November 26. 2013.