# Retracing on Memetic Icons

By [LGHT](https://paragraph.com/@lght) · 2023-07-28

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A free mint for the subscribers:

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After a recent [podcast appearance](https://www.othersidepod.xyz/episode/81), and a few more discussions on [Hypercultures](https://mirror.xyz/lght.eth/Av_4Vx1U9jDYgDzdrfWQD3FKuXUbMpQ9h5n-KlFz3KQ), it feels time to revisit _memetic icons._

Analysis of Abstractions
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Version one of our conceptualization summates to:

*   each hyperculture is centered around one
    
*   their aesthetic manifestations include skeuomorphic, abstract, and referential models (noggles, zorbs, & opepen silouhette)
    

We also came away with the notion that “each memetic icon is a visual representation of the deeper _context_ within the culture.” Noggles are tied to _vision_. Zorbs are tied to _creativity_. Opepen’s silouhette is tied to _internet art_.

### Take Two

I feel confident in the previous claims. However, there seems to be a much wider range of context here. Not only are the memetic icons visual representations of their culture; they may well be the foundation for their commercial, cultural, and commons proliferation.

Previously I was thinking of these objects solely as _identification badges_. From there my mental model assumed that public-remixing was the objective of these assets. ‘If you can create something that has endless kinesthetic-engagement-value (KEV) then you have unlocked a cultural doorway to sustainability’ sort of model.

While that seems to hold merit, it may be just the surface of what we are dealing with. An over emphasis on the KEV made me ignore the alternative contextual models we have at our disposal.

![memetic icons](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/d09365108d495e6cc3a86c715b428c6b3fe9c0676b8d907c48d58231d0202b57.png)

memetic icons

In a recent chat with @[ccarella](https://twitter.com/ccarella) on Farcaster it was brought to my attention that _colors_ are icons as well. Tiffany Blue, Farcaster Purple, Barbie Pink. It immediately made me recall an [essay I wrote](https://mirror.xyz/lght.eth/jmGEONCfdrqoXMmz9biKDSpnveYRI8B7IxPUpWFowXc) on _meme design_ - revising my conceptualization to now include _colors_, _words/phrases_, as well as _symbols_.

### v 1.0.2

It’s quite clear that this concept has much more to reveal. Thus, I will keep a running log of these developments in real time.

My new additions to _memetic icons_ are:

*   words, colors (gradients even), and symbols are working models
    
*   you can have more than one (Nike has the swoosh and _just do it_)
    
*   their functionality extends beyond cultural signaling
    
    *   foundation for hyperstack proliferation (commerce, cultural, commons)
        
*   they are not the beginning of a culture, but the beginning of its iconography

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*Originally published on [LGHT](https://paragraph.com/@lght/retracing-on-memetic-icons)*