The Meaning of Repetition

The emotional force generated by the repetition of words or pictures and the visual possibilities (as a means of creating texture, movement, rhythm, indicating equivalences of time and space) should not be minimized. The possibilities of repetition are limitless. Repeat patterns are only one familiar form There is repetition of color, direction, weight, texture, dimension, movement, expression, shape, and so on. Repetition is an effective way of achieving unity.

The geometric patterns that adorn the surfaces of many Romanesque buildings demonstrate an awareness of the significance of unity, scale, and the decorative possibilities of repetition. The surprising and often humorous variations of the patterns are a lesson in how to avoid monotony.

Repetition also means remembrance. The efficacy of a trademark, for example, is dependent less on its design than on its repeated exposure to public view. Familiar things (e.g., dominoes on this page), as well as a touch of humor, are effective mnemonic devices.

The following are but a few instances of our everyday experiences in which the magical, almost hypnotic, effects of repetition operate: the exciting spectacle of marching soldiers in the same dress, same step, and same attitude; the fascination of neatly arranged flower beds of like color, structure, and texture; the impressive sight of crowds at football games, theatres, public demonstrations; the satisfaction we derive from the geometric patterns created by ballet dancers and chorus girls with identical costumes and movements; the feeling of order evoked by rows of methodically placed packages on the grocer's shelf; the comforting effect of the regularity of repeating patterns in textiles and wallpapers; the excitement we experience at the sight of plane formations or migrating flocks of birds.