"Figurative elements" refers to elements or aspects that are used symbolically or metaphorically, rather than in their literal or actual meaning. Full definition
He later returned to using color and continued with figurative elements. (en.wikipedia.org)
Artists who are able to bend Pop or figurative elements into a unique version of abstraction. (figureground.org)
For me, to get past gestural painting, I have to reconsider what it means to use figurative elements or still life or landscape to make an image. (hyperallergic.com)