1. By Chris Schwab, Haley Strong, Deepak Bhagat, and Aaron Marks
Chapter 6: Structure

2. What is Structure?
Components of a visual expression merge to create an organized whole
Allows visual elements and principles to exist
Structure is intended to guide viewers through a work of art

3. What else?
Structure is, in effect, the umbrella under which all the other visual elements and principals exist
The structure of a work of art refers to the way the components of visual expression merge to create an organization whole.
Visual art takes place within a rectangle, a block of marble, a designated period of time, or some other limiting factor

4. Unity Every element of a work of art needs to work together logically
Necessary for a “visual equilibrium”
Unity allows the viewer to experience the emotion of the artist
The following concepts of symmetry, asymmetry, contrast, and focal points all contribute to unity
Ex. Menus, Website homepages, flyers, brochures, newsletters (Williams, Chapter 2)

5. What else?
Unity is when the visual components within the work are well balanced when one part of the work is related to another
With each part demonstrating logic and integrity that informs the whole
Sense of visual equilibrium is achieved affects the viewers response

6. Symmetry Two halves mirror each other Best facilitates unity
Brings all aspects of a work of art together
Simplistic structure becomes appealing, sometimes avoids boredom
Simple way of balancing or unifying a work of art
Mirror like repetition of the two halves of an object or image
“Symmetry, like a basic shape, is easy on the brain…does not challenge the viewer’s comprehension” (Krause 86).
Symmetry

7. Dignity, stability and tranquility often characterize symmetrical structures

8. Asymmetry Arrangement of dissimilar parts to achieve a balanced whole
Dynamic by nature
Allows works of art to appear active
Creates more visual tension
Ex: “Guernica”
“Perfect symmetry is clearly definable. Deciding when asymmetry is ‘perfect’ is a judgment call” (Krause 88).

9. What else?
There is tension in every work of are, but this tension must be balanced to a certain degree.
Perfect symmetry translates as perfect balance

10. Approximate Symmetry Different halves point to centralized axis
Two halves clash
Lacks coexisting nature of symmetrical structures
Artist uses single point to cut picture in half
Uses gunpoint to
differentiate the two halves: Victims and Killers

11. Contrast
The relationship between significantly different elements or forces
Allows us to measure and compare
An example of contrast can be seen when comparing the views of résumés (i.e. headings of categories and font size) (Williams, 68-69)
Contrast is found not only in documents, but also in artwork and sculptures (Nemett’s pg. 9)
“Good value contrasts (light vs dark) are essential in helping a subject stand out against its backdrop.” (Krause 40)

12. Earthworks An art form developed in the 1960s and 70s
Involves the substitution of traditional methods and materials (like paint and canvas) to different ones like (bulldozers and dirt)
Earthworks

13. Focal Point
A particular spot or part of the work around which the rest of the composition is organized
Multiple Points of Attraction- many works of art rely on more than one point of focus to bring the component parts into an ordered whole
Alignment is a major component when discussing focal point.

14. Focal Point Cont.
Focal Points also rely on different shades and hues of color (Williams, 102)
Certain colors bring out certain designs
Not all shades provide a strong enough contrast

15. Multiple Points of Attraction
A lot of artwork requires more than just one focal point
These are called Multiple Points of Attraction
As seen with résumés and art different rack cards have multiple points of attraction (Williams,74-75)