E Pluribus Unum

E pluribus unum, the traditional motto for our country, is also a great idea for the creation of art. One of the principles of art and design is unity, the sense that all parts of an artwork are working together smoothly for the benefit of the overall work. One way for artists to achieve unity is by using repetition and pattern. The repeating elements can be as basic as lines, colors, and shapes; or it can be subtler or more complex. The artworks included in this exhibition represent diverse ways in which repetition and pattern can be used to create more visual excitement while also creating more cohesion.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website