Foundations of Design

Chapter 11: Balance and Rhythm

Balance

Balance in art refers to the distribution of the weight a composition, actual or apparent.

Greek artist Polykleitos was the first artist to notice the body’s weight shift while at rest and developed a set of rules.

Fig. 11.1 Doryphoros by Polykleitos of Argos

Actual Balance and Pictorial Balance

Actual weight = actual balance.

Sculptures that have “actual weight’ also have to have “actual balance” in order to stand.

Pictorial Balance

Pictorial balance - the distribution of the apparent or visual weight of the elements in works that are basically 2D.

Horizontal Balance

Horizontal balance - when the elements in the left and right sides of the work seem to be about equal in number or visual emphasis. Horizontal balance creates

stability and serenity.

Fig. 11.2 Emile d’Erlanger, La Baronne by Romaine Brooks

Vertical Balance

Vertical Balance - the elements above and below the horizon line appear to be equal in number or balance.

Fig. 11.3 I Saw Three Cities by Kay Sage

Diagonal Balance

Diagonal Balance - when a work has equal visual weight on either side of the diagonal.

Fig. 11.4 London Portrait by Adil Jain

Radial Balance

Radial Balance - balance in which the design elements radiate from the center point. Radial balance is common in

nature.Need not be exclusive to

circles. If the circle is incomplete the

human eye will complete the circle.

Fig. 11.6 The Great Ladies Transforming Themselves into Butterflies by Judy Chicago

Types of Balance

Symmetry - when the two sides of an image look the same.

Bilateral Symmetry = Pure or formal symmetry - when the 2 sides are exactly the same.

Symmetrical Balance- when the 2 sides of an picture look similar and create balance in the composition.

Fig. 11.10 Four Quad Cinema by Philip Taaffe (Op Art)

Approximate Symmetry

Variations can add visual interest to a composition.

Sometimes an approximately symmetrical work will feature element that are clearly different but have been given equal emphasis for symbolic as well as compositional

reasons.

Fig. 11.14 Mestizo Cesar Martinez

Asymmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical Balance - a art piece that feels balanced but is not the same on the either side of the composition. There is a human tendency to

look for balance.

How to create:Repetition of linear elements Strategically placed color.

Stabile - a standing version of Alexander Calder’s mobiles.

Fig. 11.15 Pedestrian’s Foot by Otto Steinert

Achieving Balance in Asymmetry

1. Value and Color - the high contrast of values can be used to create balance.

2. Shape and Texture

3. Position - A larger object placed near the center of a composition can visually balance a lighter object further from the center.

Fig. 11.22 Verde by Deborah Butterfield

Allover Pattern

Sometimes a composition is balanced in that there is equal visual weight in every part of the work.

Fig. 11.23 Double Wedding Ring by

Emma Hall

Imbalance

There is a certain level of comfort in balance.

The view will try to impose balance.

Not all art is about comfort, not all art aims to be aesthetically pleasing.

Some work tries to shock or discomfort a viewer.

Crazy Quilts - use a fabric in a random design to create an

overall pattern. Fig. 11.25 Death of a Loyalist Soldier by Robert

Capa

Rhythm

Abrupt changes in rhythm are jarring and discomforting. Humans seek balance and find security in rhythm. Rhythm is created by repetition. Repeated patterns convey a sense of movement. Rhythm can move a viewer visually and emotionally. Rhythm can create a psychological response.

To Create Rhythm: Repeat color Line Shape

Types of Rhythm

1. Regular Repetition

2. Alternating Rhythm

3. Progressive Rhythm

Regular Repetition Easiest Most precise way to create

rhythm Property or Minimalist

artists.

Fig. 11.29 North Artillery Shed by Donald Judd.

Alternating Rhythm

Alternating Rhythm - When different elements in a work of art repeat themselves in a predictable order.

Fig. 11.30 Untitled by DingYi

Progressive Rhythm

Progressive Rhythm - The rhythm of a piece seems to increase or ‘progress’

Minor variations can add interest to a composition.

Whereas regular rhythm and alternating rhythm suggest repetition, movement, and exaggeration, progressive rhythm seems to suggest change, whimsy, and defeat of expectations.

Fig. 11.32 A207 Recall by Jackie Ferrara