We have learned about the Elements of Art. These elements are the basic building blocks used to create art. Now we will learn how they can be used together, organized and arranged following the guidelines of the Principles of Design. Understanding design principles can aid visual communication between the artist and the viewer.
I. Terms:
Unity and Variety
II. Definition of the terms:
Unity and Variety are complimentary concepts.
Unity is the sense of oneness achieved when all of the parts look like they belong together and contribute to the harmonious whole.
Variety creates interest by providing diversity.
III. Examples of the terms:
The Elements of Art are used to create Unity and Variety. Too much unity can be boring and too much variety can seem chaotic.
UNITY - LINE
Edvard Munch Anxiety 1896
The Element of Art that unifies this work is LINE. Munch has used lines of different lengths and widths to create variety. COLOR also adds to the variety in this composition. The red lines make this piece much more interesting.
UNITY - SHAPE/ COLOR
Matisse Ivy in Flower 1953
Unity and variety are achieved through the use of COLOR, LINE, and SHAPE. The COLOR orange unites the background. Both warm and cool COLORS have been used to add variety. Implied LINES impose a grid that provides a unifying structure. Notice the variety of SHAPES. Most of the shapes are organic, but the squares in the grid are geometric. The work is held together by the consistent handling of these different elements.
UNITY - COLOR/ SPACE
Tony Cragg Green Leaf 1983
Tony Cragg integrates variation within a theme. A variety of green, plastic pieces collectively form the SHAPE of a leaf. Although each fragment is unique, shared SPACE and COLOR provide cohesiveness.
UNITY - TEXTURE
Ana Mendieta Serie arbol de la vida (Tree of Life Series) 1977
Ana Mendieta's goal in this series was to establish "a dialog between the landscape and the female body."Medieta covered her body with mud and plants. She blends with her surroundings and creates visual unity by mimicking the TEXTURES of the environment.
Fineberg, Jonathan. Art Since 1940: Strategies of Being. (New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1995), 373.
UNITY - LIGHT/ SHAPE/ LINE/ COLOR/ PATTERN
Fernand Leger Three Women 1921
Leger unifies this composition by repeating SHAPES, LINES and COLORS. The three women demonstrate variety in their poses, hairstyles and skin colors. The objects are united by a similar treatment of LIGHT. The women's bodies along with the saucer, the vessel, and other shapes in the background show smooth transitions from light to dark.
