What is asymmetry and symmetry in art?

Both in art and in nature there are such concepts as symmetry and asymmetry. We observe them daily in the world around us. And each subject has one or both of these concepts.

What is the asymmetry in art

This is the exact opposite of symmetry. In art, it helps express the dynamism of action, show the naturalness and ease of movement, diversify the composition.

In an asymmetric composition, the symmetry is either slightly broken or completely absent. Items can be located in one part of the canvas and carry a heavy load there. That's what asymmetry is. In this case, harmony in the asymmetric composition is not violated, but provided that the artist obeys certain rules for its construction.

We can observe asymmetry in natural nature. The human body, for example, is not absolutely symmetrical. Limbs may vary slightly in length or thickness, one half of the face differs from the other by bending the lips, wrinkles, eyebrows and others. The photo below clearly shows what is the asymmetry. Agree, if our features were symmetrical, it would not look very attractive!

Symmetry in life

Many objects are characterized by symmetry. It implies that certain parts have an equilibrium with respect to the central axis or point.

If an object is divided into equal parts and its extreme points on the same side are repeated the same opposite, then it can be judged as symmetrical. Perfectionists give much attention to symmetry.

It is used in decorative art (in drawing ornaments, for example). Symmetry and asymmetry in the composition are often used. For example, artists in the Renaissance perceived the language of symmetry as a reflection of the ideal, balanced state of an object. They sought to implement its laws.

The use of symmetry and asymmetry in art

In the painting "The Betrothal of the Virgin Mary" by Renavel Santi, the artist of the Renaissance, the world is displayed in complete harmony and all its splendor. Each object has strict logic.

What is asymmetry for pictures? Raphael's work gives the impression of solemnity, but at the same time the characters are removed from the viewer, they are immersed in their thoughts, and at the same time their dynamics are well expressed, which is inherent in asymmetry. After all, only with the help of it can one well express actions.

The main action, putting the wedding ring on the finger of Mary, is enclosed in the very center of the composition. Symmetrically located in the picture is a temple in the background, in the center. Thus, the viewer can immediately determine the main actions in the picture, correlate them and understand what the meaning is.

Some pieces of the composition still violate the symmetry, settling outside a certain sequence. Thus, the symmetry and asymmetry in the composition help to highlight the main actions and together create a harmonious work.