Motif (visual arts)

Okay kiddo, let me tell you about motifs in art. A motif is a pattern or design that is repeated over and over again in a work of art. Imagine your favorite dress with little polka dots on it. The polka dots are a motif because they are repeated all over the dress.

Sometimes, an artist will use a motif to give their artwork a special meaning or message. For example, a shark might be a motif in a painting about the beach because it represents danger or fear. Or a flower might be a motif in a painting about nature because it represents beauty and growth.

So, whenever you see a pattern or design repeated in an artwork, you can call it a motif!