Do you often pick up a piece of clothing just because a certain motif stands out to you? You might not have realized that these pretty design elements in clothes have deeper, philosophical meanings and carry hidden messages.
A motif is an “element of an image”.
motif :/məʊˈtiːf/ : (n.)
a decorative image or design, especially a repeated one forming a pattern.
a dominant or recurring idea in an artistic work.
Be it in a painting, a graphic artwork, clothes, or accessories, a motif always has a symbolic meaning. It may appear just once as a major highlight of the work or repeated patterns throughout the entire design.
You would be surprised how there is an entire field of study about motifs, technically called Semiotics.
Semiotics interprets symbolism and the philosophy behind motifs and signs used in art. This non-verbal way to communicate a thought or message often connects the creator or the user to an individual and personal ideology or a belief.
Motifs can also be a way to show people how certain designs carry social and cultural value.
Why motifs, though?
Throughout all human civilizations, we have learned to express ourselves through art, iconography, and symbolism. And that’s how motifs have always been an important part of our creativity.
Visual art forms have always been a way for people to communicate their minds or to each other without having to use words. Just like our gestures, facial expressions, and body language says a lot without saying, motifs in clothes also add to that.
And because our body is an important resource for such non-verbal communication, what better way to show it than wear clothes with certain motifs?
Psychology says that these semiotics of clothes connects to how we perceive and present ourselves, as an individual or as a part of a greater group, society, or culture.
For instance, you would often see a group of activists wearing the same t-shirts with a motif that shows their cause or what they represent. Similarly, when you go shopping, you might just pick up a dress for yourself with a cat motif because there’s something about a cat that resonates with you, right? It could be as simple as a love for cats, the feline energy that you like about these animals, or you simply think wearing a cat motif is just cute.
You should also know that symbolisms of motifs are also very subjective, unlike anything else.
One motif can have different meanings to different people, depending on their thoughts, a state of mind on a certain day, or even the cultural or social background they have grown up or live in.
A classic example of this is the butterfly.
Certain Asian sub-cultures, often associated a butterfly with sexuality. In early Christianity, the butterfly represented the soul, while in Hinduism, the butterfly is often considered a symbol of femininity.
The Native American belief is somewhat similar. In spiritual theory, the transformative ability of a butterfly indicates reinvention or rebirth of one’s self.
So, you see, a simple motif can have many interpretations. But the fact remains that these design elements carry many hidden messages. And it is indeed interesting to discover them and learn how they connect to us.
Stay tuned for more stories of different motifs and what it could mean for you!
