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Balance in Art

what is balance in art?

Balance in art is described as the “visual weight” of an artwork. The “distribution” of the art elements is what determines the type of balance in an artwork.

TYPES OF BALANCE IN ART

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

Symmetrical balance is also termed “formal balance” in art, which means that there is an equal balance between both halves of the visual composition and the images are identical to each other.

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

Symmetrical balance can also occur biaxially, which means that the composition is balanced vertically and horizontally.

ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE

Asymmetrical balance, also called “informal balance”, refers to both halves of a composition retaining a sense of balance, but with different art elements on each side.

RADIAL BALANCE

Radial symmetry in art involves any art element placed around the central point “radiating” outwards.

CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC BALANCE

Crystallographic balance, also termed “mosaic” or “all-over” balance, refers to the more randomized placements of art elements.

BALANCE artwork examples

The Last Supper (1495-1498) by Leonardo da Vinci Composition with Large Red Plane, Yellow, Black, Gray, and Blue (1921) by Piet Mondrian Number 5 (1948) and Autumn Rhythm: Number 30 by Jackson Pollock Radial examples include Mandalas or Rose Windows