Art 1020 WI "Unity Variety and Balance"

Asymmetrical Balance

Creation of imperfect balance through a greater distribution of weight to one side or the other When the left and right sides are not the same but the combination of elements counters each other

Variety

Visual diversity that brings many different Ideas, media, and elements together in one composition

Example of Variety

Bull Surrounded by Tire abstract modern piece Check 1.06

Conceptual unity

Cohesive expression of ideas within a work of art Ideas may not appear organized but can create a guiding idea if they are related

Three types of unity

Compositional Conceptual Gestatl

Gestalt Unity

German word for form or shape refers to something in which the whole seems greater than the sum of its part When we consider how conceptual and compositional unity work together we get Gestalt unity

Examples of Compositional Unity

Great wave at kaganawa (Japanese Wave and Mt. Fuji painting) Interior design picture of house where balance is prevalent

Balance (Cont)

If the amount of visual weight does not have a counterweight on the opposite side, the work appears unsuccessful or unfinished A reasonable counterweight creates balance

Balance

Refers to the distribution of elements, wether unified or varied, within a work

Types of Balance

Symmetrical Balance Asymmetrical Balance Radial Balance

Unity

The imposition of order and harmony on a design Helps bring together the image and communicate an idea

Conclusion

Unity gives a work a certain oneness or cohesion Variety is expressed in contrast and difference Balance is imposed on a work when unity and variety are successfully combined

Can variety unify a piece?

Yes, even when using a variety of different shapes, colors, and values an artist can create visual unity

Symmetrical Balance

a work can be cut in half and each side appears to be the same Symmetry can seem very natural and can help the viewer create connections

Variety (Cont)

collection of ideas, elements, or material that are fused together into one design Variety is about uniqueness and diversity

Compositional Unity

organizing all visual aspects creates visual unity too much unity can make art monotonous and cause viewer to lose interest Too much variety leads to lack of structure

Radial balance

when all elements in a work are equidistant from a central point and repeat in a symmetrical way Repetition is an important Aspect