Principle of Art: Balance
Symmetry/Symmetrical Balance
An image is mirrored across a horizontal or
vertical axis.
Richard Ryan, Two Spheres
Symmetry can often
convey peace, stillness,
and strength when used
to organize a
composition.
Buddha Amoghasiddhi
with Eight Bodhisattvas
ca. 1200–1250 Tibet
(Central
regions) Distemper on
cloth
27 1/8 x 21 1/4 in.
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
A piece is not exactly mirrored across an axis, but is close enough to give the impression of
symmetry
Wassily Kandinsky, Penetrating Green
Jeff Koons, Lobster Mustache
Approximate symmetry over a horizontal axis
Radial Symmetry
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.
Jasper Johns, Target w Four Faces
Takashi Murakami, Jellyfish Eyes, Nega
Radial Symmetry
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.
Mandala of Jnanadakini
late 14th century Tibet (a Sakya
monastery) Distemper on cloth
33 1/4 x 28 7/8 in.
Asymmetry
In asymmetrical pieces, there is no mirroring over either horizontal or vertical axis.
Warhol, Car Crash
This piece is not mirrored across the vertical axis. Do you think it is balanced?
Is it possible to achieve balance
without symmetry?
Is this piece balanced across either axis?
Titian, The Adoration of the Child
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.
Pierre de Chavonnes, Summer
George Bellows
Between Rounds, 1923 Lithograph 18 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