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