Balance

1. BALANCE-
creates the feeling of equality and stability of an work while the lack of balance makes the viewer feel uncomfortable.

A large shape close to the center can be balanced
by a small shape close to the edge. A large light
toned shape will be balanced by a small dark toned
shape (the darker the shape the heavier it appears to be)

• Symmetrical Balance- this can be described by a perfectlly centered composition. It can also be described as two elements that are identical or share the same visual mass. You can test if a work contains symmetrical balance by drawing a line down the middle, and if both sides mirror each other it is symmetrically balanced.  

Claes Oldenburg, Soft Light Switches 

Michelangelo Pistoletto "Quadro da Pranzo" 

Brancusi "Endless Column" 

Brancusi "Torso of a Young Man" 

Louise Bourgeois "Blooming Janus"

• Assymmetrical Balance- this occurs when all the parts within a work of art are in a state of equilibrium but can potentially become unbalanced if any element is moved. It can be achieved with a single complex object or multiple objects. 

Claes Oldenburg, "Typewriter Eraser"

Claes Oldenburg "Leaning Clarinet" 

Michelangelo Pistoletto "The Reinstated Apple" 

Jeff Koons "Balloon Dog" 

 Nam June Paik's Global Encoder

• Radial Balance- this is where all elements radiate out from a center point in a circular fashion. All elements within the work usually lead the eyes towards the center. 

Eva Hesse "Portrait"

Judy Chicago "Through the Flower" 

Judy Chicago "Unknown" 

Josiah McElhemy "The End of Modernity"