ART 101, Section 1.6: Unity, Variety, and Balance
radial balance
AKA symmetry. Is achieved when all elements in a work are equidistant from a central point and repeat in a symmetrical way from side to side and top to bottom
axis
an imaginary line showing the center of a shape, volume, or composition
grid
a network of horizontal and vertical lines; in an artwork's composition, the lines are implied
mandala
a sacred diagram of the universe, often involving a square and a circle
gestalt unity
complete order and indivisible unity of all aspects of an artwork's design
3 kinds of unity
compositional, conceptual, and gestalt
composition unity
created when artist organizes all visual aspects of a work
still life
scene of inanimate objects, such as fruits, flowers or motionless animals
variety
the diversity of difference ideas, media, and elements in a work
unity
the imposition of order and harmony on a design; creating order or wholeness, the opposite of disorder. Refers to organization of similarities between elements.
conceptual unity
refers to cohesive expression of ideas within a work of art
motif
a design or color repeated as a unit in a pattern