Symbolism is the practice of assigning meaning to objects, events, or relationships. Symbols can tell a deeper, more personal story. People can use symbols in different ways; through stories, poetry and painting, but are not limited to these subjects. Francis Bacon used many symbols in his paintings. In doing so, he gave the viewer not something to look at but something to decipher. In this way, Bacon could tell his life story, show his emotions, and give deeper meaning to something he valued. Francis Bacon, through his life and painting style, creates a memoir in his 1973 Self-Portrait. Even though 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 an heiress. Bacon suffered greatly from asthma. In 1925, his father caught him dressing in his mother's underwear and fishnet stockings. He was kicked out of the house. At 16, he was living the bohemian life in London. After these words, Bacon moved to Berlin, then returned to London. It was in Berlin that he discovered sexual freedom and emotional and physical violence. Four years after being kicked out of his house, he presented his first works in an exhibition. In 1940, Francis Bacon's father died. During World War II, he joined the Air Raid Precautions rescue service. At this time, he still exhibited his paintings. Needing money, Bacon became a professor of painting at the Royal College. By 1948, Bacon was known to be one of the most influential artists of his time. The same year, he joined a private club. Bacon was offered £10 and free drinks for bringing his customers to the bar. When he was 80 years old, he still lived among paper and ate his works of art. By doing these things, he created his life story. Telling your story isn't just about art. People can show their lives through writing and even acting. Everyone has their own way of telling their story for Francis Bacon, it was through works of art. Works Cited “Francis Bacon”. Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. Flight. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 421-422. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Internet. November 21, 2013. “Francis Bacon.” Gay and lesbian biography. Ed. Michael J. Tyrkus and Michael Bronski. Detroit: St. James Press, 1997. Biography in Context. Internet. November 21, 2013. Langer, Cassandra. “Was Francis Bacon serious? The gay and lesbian magazine in the world 16.5 (2009): 14+. Biography in context. Internet. November 26, 2013. Yezzi, David. “Bacon’s Theater of the Absurd.” New criterion 27.4 (2008): 25+. Biography in context. Internet. November 26. 2013.