Principle of Art: Balance

Symmetry/Symmetrical Balance

Richard Ryan, Two Spheres

An image is mirrored across a horizontal or vertical axis.

Buddha Amoghasiddhi with Eight Bodhisattvas ca. 1200–1250Tibet (Central regions)Distemper on cloth27 1/8 x 21 1/4 in.

Symmetry can often convey peace, stillness, and strength when used to organize a composition.

Is this design symmetrical? What would the artist have to do to make it so?

Too much symmetry can make for a dull composition—the viewer knows exactly what to expect.

Approximate Symmetry

Wassily Kandinsky, Penetrating Green

A piece is not exactly mirrored across an axis, but is close enough to give the impression of symmetry

Jeff Koons, Lobster MustacheApproximate symmetry over a horizontal axis

Radial Symmetry

Jasper Johns, Target w Four Faces

Images have a fixed central point, and elements spiral out from that central point. Radially balanced images will be mirrored over both the vertical and horizontal axis.

Takashi Murakami, Jellyfish Eyes, Nega

Radial Symmetry

Mandala of Jnanadakini late 14th centuryTibet (a Sakya monastery)Distemper on cloth33 1/4 x 28 7/8 in.

Detail of the mandala

Mandalas are spiritual symbols common in Buddhist and Hindu religions. They represent the universe and their circular form, often characterized by radial symmetry, representing unity and completeness. The form of the mandala has neither beginning or end, suggesting eternal truths. This mandala is in the form of an extraordinary palace seen from above.

Asymmetry

Warhol, Car CrashThis piece is not mirrored across the vertical axis. Do you think it is balanced?

In asymmetrical pieces, there is no mirroring over either horizontal or vertical axis.

Is it possible to achieve balance without symmetry?

Titian, The Adoration of the Child

Is this piece balanced across either axis?

Pierre de Chavonnes, Summer

In a balanced composition, elements on one side of the axis will be answered by something on the other side. In this painting, there are several large figures in the right foreground. The artist has included two smaller figures in the distance to the left, so as not to make this image too heavy on the right. The activity on the front right is answered by the depth on the left.

George BellowsBetween Rounds, 1923Lithograph18 1/4 x 14 3/4 inches

Think of composing a design like balancing a scale: both sides don’t have to be identical to be balanced. A pound of feathers would be equal to a pound of lead, though visually they look very different.

Alexander Calder, Mobile

Do Calder’s mobiles have a sense of balance? How is he achieving this?

Balance?

Kasimir Malevich