PHO-2052 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Henri Matisse, Symmetry In Biology, Centrifugal Force
Chapter 11 Balance and Rhythm
• Balance creates a sense of stability
• Henri Matisse believed a balanced artwork would have a soothing, calming effect on the
mind
• Artists may alternatively challenge the comfort zone of balance and rhythm to challenge
the predictable or convey a certain message
• Balance in art refers to the distribution of actual or visual weight
• An artist might use balance to control the distribution or emphasis of elements such as
line, shape, or color in a composition
Actual Balance
• Used in forms such as sculpture to provide support of elements
Pictorial Balance
• Refers to the distribution of the apparent or visual weight of the elements in mostly
two-dimensional works
Horizontal Balance
• Elements in the left and right portions are approximately symmetrical, or equal in
number or visual emphasis
Vertical Balance
• Vieer’s pereptios are orgaized aordig to a horizo lie, ad hat is aoe ad
below that line
Diagonal Balance
• Establishing equal visual weight to either side of a pictorial space that is divided by a
perceived diagonal
Radial Balance
• Evident in compositions in which the elements radiate from, or are organized around, a
center point
• Can be achieved by the juxtaposition of opposing forces using a centrifugal force
Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Balance
• Symmetry refers to similarity of form and arrangement on either side of a dividing line
or plane, or to correspondence of parts in size, shape, and position
• Pure, or formal symmetry occurs when the correspondence is exact
• Symmetrical balance is more often created through approximate symmetry
• In this case, the image has slight variations from pure symmetry to provide visual
interest, but overall has a symmetrical feeling
• If there is an overall sense of balance, but there is a large difference between the two
areas of the composition, it is known as asymmetrical balance
Symmetrical Balance
• Pure balance is also known as bilateral symmetry
• Often characterized by precision and predictability
• Artists may enliven their monotonous compositions with dimensions of texture, rhythm,
contrast, etc.
Approximate Symmetrical Balance
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Document Summary
Actual balance: used in forms such as sculpture to provide support of elements. Pictorial balance: refers to the distribution of the apparent or visual weight of the elements in mostly two-dimensional works. Horizontal balance: elements in the left and right portions are approximately symmetrical, or equal in number or visual emphasis. Vertical balance: vie(cid:449)er"s per(cid:272)eptio(cid:374)s are orga(cid:374)ized a(cid:272)(cid:272)ordi(cid:374)g to a horizo(cid:374) li(cid:374)e, a(cid:374)d (cid:449)hat is a(cid:271)o(cid:448)e a(cid:374)d below that line. Diagonal balance: establishing equal visual weight to either side of a pictorial space that is divided by a perceived diagonal. Radial balance: evident in compositions in which the elements radiate from, or are organized around, a center point, can be achieved by the juxtaposition of opposing forces using a centrifugal force. In this case, the image has slight variations from pure symmetry to provide visual interest, but overall has a symmetrical feeling.
