ART

• Motif


  An element of an image that may be repeated in a pattern or design, often many times, or may just occur once in a work
• Motif


  A significant theme, subject, or idea that is consistently repeated in or woven throughout the foundation of something, especially an artistic piece
• Example of a motif


  • A motif of a purple flower repeated in a plain fabric
• Motif


  • The most basic unit from which a design is formed
  • Generally developed from different combinations of geometrical shapes
  • Repeated in different ways to create a pattern
  • Patterns are repeated to create designs
  • Most traditional motifs are inspired from nature
• Usage of motif


  • A word most commonly used in creative fields like visual arts, literature, and design
  • Describes any key idea that is emphasized in a creative piece through consistent repetition
  • Can be obvious or understated
  • Often forms a subtle basis for the work of which it is a part
• Motif in interior design and landscaping


  Describes a common set of elements that bring up a specific emotional response
• Motif in medicine and life sciences

  Describes a repeating or idiosyncratic pattern in a biological structure, such as an amino acid chain
• Many artists are motivated to create motifs in their work
• Motifs can have emotional effects and be used for propaganda
• Examples of motifs in Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs

  • Stars
  • Compass roses
  • Doves
  • Hearts
  • Tulips
  • Leaves
  • Feathers
• Motif in literature and narrative arts


  An element in the story that represents a theme
• Classification of motifs


  • Geometric, typically repeated
  • Figurative
• Geometric motifs


  • Meander
  • Palmette
  • Rosette
  • Gul
  • Acanthus
  • Egg-and-dart
  • Bead and reel
  • Pakudos
  • Sauwastika
  • Adinkra symbols
• Figurative motifs


  • Master of Animals
  • Confronted animals
  • Velificatio
  • Death and the Maiden
  • Three hares
  • Sheela na gig
• In the textile arts, a motif is a smaller element in a much larger work
• Motifs in knitting and crochet are made one at a time and joined together to create larger works