Formal balance (symmetry) is a design
principle where the two halves of an image or
sculpture are identical and mirror each other at
the center line.
Line of Symmetry
James Surls – Shovel Man
Balance
The equal distribution of shapes, colors, lines
that make the art look and feel complete.
Formal Balance: Same on both sides
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Paul McCobb – Shovel Chair (1956)
Ed Garman – Variation of a Structure No. 63-B
Informal balance (asymmetry) is a design
principle where two halves of an image or
sculpture are not identical, but each half has
equal visual weight.
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A design is out of balance when the two sides
are not equal in weight
Line of Symmetry
Dale Chihuly – End of Day #2
Line of Symmetry
Dan Namingha – Kachina Montage
Robert Therrien – No Title (stacked plates, butter)
Duane Hanson – Old Couple on Bench (Detail)
Tibetan Mandala
Navajo - Chief Blanket, Third Phase Variant, Woman’s Style
Radial Symmetry has multiple lines of
symmetry that intersect at a central point.
Navajo - Chief Blanket, Third Phase Variant, Woman’s Style
Line of Symmetry
Hopi – Third Mesa – Polychrome Tray