Defining Harmony
Harmony refers to the way visual elements come together cohesively in a composition. It is achieved when all artistic components work in unison to create a sense of unity. If any element appears out of place, it disrupts the harmony and draws attention in an unnatural way. A well-balanced composition allows the viewer to experience a smooth and natural visual flow (Study.com, n.d.).
- Harmony is about finding a visual rhyme scheme by combining elements that accent each other (Colebeck, n.d.).
- In a harmonious composition, the elements—even when contrasting—share common visual or conceptual attributes (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Too much variation or contrast between elements can break up an image's sense of cohesion (Colebeck, n.d.).
Harmony and Aesthetics
- The piece will naturally appear whole both visually and conceptually (Colebeck, n.d.).
- All individual elements will contribute to the overall effect (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Without harmony, different parts of the piece will look disjointed (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Harmony reinforces unity and makes the work visually pleasing (Colebeck, n.d.).
Achieving Harmony
- Use a line style consistent with the theme of the piece:
- Variable line width versus the same line width (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Organic (curved, flowing) versus angular(Colebeck, n.d.).
- Use shapes that are visually or conceptually similar:
- Visually similar: organic versus angular (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Conceptually similar: repeat objects that carry similar meanings, even with different shapes (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Shapes do not need a single continuous outline; they can be implied by multiple elements (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Use value consistently:
- Apply light and shadow in a way that aligns with the mood of the piece (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Use similar values throughout to maintain cohesion (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Use color to unify elements:
- Maintain a color temperature that fits the mood (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Colors have three components: hue, value, and saturation (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Using similar hues or saturation across different elements creates connection(Colebeck, n.d.).
- Analogous colors can enhance harmony (Colebeck, n.d.).
- Consider texture and material relationships:
- Elements with the same textural quality—whether highly tactile or flat—will generally be perceived as related (Colebeck, n.d.).
Cultural Significance
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain, exemplifies how cultural harmony is achieved through architectural design. Constructed over centuries, it showcases a blend of Islamic and Christian influences, reflecting the region's diverse history. The palace's intricate geometric patterns and symmetrical layouts are not only aesthetically pleasing but also symbolize a deeper cultural significance. These designs adhere to precise mathematical ratios, creating a sense of balance and unity that mirrors the Islamic worldview of a divinely ordered universe Slow Space, n.d.)
References
Colebeck, D. (n.d.). Harmony and unity in design.
https://facultyweb.kennesaw.edu/dcolebec/articles/harmonyunity.pdf
Slow Space. (n.d.). The Alhambra: Layers of beauty and architectural history.
https://www.slowspace.org/the-alhambra-layers-of-beauty-and-architectural-history/#:~:text=The%20Alhambra's%20unusual%20visual%20harmony,what's%20beautiful%20about%20the%20Alhambra
Study.com. (n.d.). What are the principles of art? Definition & examples.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-are-the-principles-of-art-definition-xamples.html#:~:text=Harmony%3A%20The%20quality%20of%20how,other%20in%20a%20purposeful%20way
