In the wake of Prince’s passing, a number of interesting elements of the musician’s life have been turned over for a closer look. Things like his mysterious vault and Paisley Park mansion have come under the public eye, and the origin of one of Prince’s most intriguing aspects, his one-of-a-kind symbol, has come to light.
In a new Wired article, graphic designer Mitch Monson talks about the many design elements of the symbol. “He really wanted to see this feminine quality to [the symbol], and have this mix of male and female,” Monson said. “He saw those elements being important, and being integrated.” The symbol borrows heavily from the ancient male and female images.
There’s also an interesting imbalance to the symbol in its various curves, which were intentionally designed. “It was supposed to be that way; he didn’t want it to be perfect.” The imperfections of the icon are meant to symbolize the imperfections of the human body. Asymmetry in the left spiral and right crossbar are add to the symbol’s mystique.
Finally, people have intuited the Christian cross element, which is especially prominent in the bottom of the symbol. Some believe that the symbol’s dichotomy between man and woman fuel a second dichotomy between sex and religion.
Of course, the symbol itself stemmed from a legal dispute with Warner Brothers, when Prince changed his name to the unpronounce-able symbol in an attempt to control his own music. With most things that Prince did, there was also a grandiose plan involved. Guitars, set designs, album covers and more utilized the symbol in future years.
In the end, there’s a reason it’s been called the Love Symbol. It’s all about love.