por What is a symmetric composition?
A composition symmetric it is, in the two-dimensional or visual plastic arts, the uniform way in which we distribute the elements that make up the work in the space that we have available.
The distribution of the elements in a composition can be done in two main ways to achieve balance. These are the symmetrical composition and the asymmetric composition.
A composition is the process of selecting these elements, the selection of their color, their texture, their size or relative proportion to the other elements and, finally, the place they will occupy.
The composition seeks to produce a balanced work that is pleasing to the eye. Despite being subjective, there are logical ways to direct a composition to get the desired effect in a piece.
Balance is achieved when the visual weight is evenly distributed in the work. This means that all parts of the painting or composition attract the eye or capture the attention in equal measure.
Axes of the symmetrical composition
Symmetrical compositions are those in which the visual elements or visual weights are evenly distributed around some reference axis. These axes correspond to:
vertical axis. It consists of an imaginary line that runs through the center of the work from top to bottom and divides the painting into two halves, the right and the left.
horizontal axis. This axis runs through half of the work from one side to the other, dividing it into the upper and lower half.
Any of the two main diagonals. These axes go from one corner to the diametrically opposite corner, thus dividing the work into two triangular halves of equivalent sizes.
In addition to these bilateral symmetry axes, there are also symmetrical compositions in which the plastic elements are distributed around an imaginary vertical axis, generally located in the center of the painting. In this case, it is radial symmetry.
Characteristics of symmetrical compositions
Convey a sense of order
The most outstanding feature of a symmetrical composition is its order. In this type of works, everything seems to be in its place thanks to the way in which the elements are distributed.
They are always balanced, regardless of the characteristics of the elements it contains.
This is due to symmetry. This implies that for each element that is present, there is always another of the same shape and size on the other side of the axis of symmetry that compensates and balances it.
They are easier works to compose
This is a consequence of the above. Given that symmetry requires repeating each element of a work in a logical and orderly manner, there are fewer decisions we need to make when creating said work.
This makes composition making much faster and easier.
Immediately produce pleasant sensations
We are programmed to like symmetry. We are naturally drawn to anything in nature that exhibits some repetitive pattern, and this is reflected in the pleasurable sensations that symmetrical works of visual art give us.
They find application in various fields
Symmetrical compositions can be found everywhere, from the stained glass windows of an ancient cathedral to modern works of art anywhere in the world. This type of composition is frequently used in graphic design, architecture, painting and interior decoration.
Symmetrical composition vs. asymmetric composition
If the symmetric composition is the one that results when we divide the image into two parts and there is equal weight on both sides, the asymmetric composition is the opposite. That is, in one of the parts we can perceive that there is a greater weight.
This type of composition does not have any axis of symmetry, so we can find disparate elements of all kinds of shapes and sizes located in different places.
Not having axes of symmetry does not mean that we can distribute the elements in the way we want. The goal of composing a work is to create something pleasing to the eye, and this can be accomplished by means other than symmetry.
However, an asymmetric composition can be much more attractive from a visual point of view than a symmetric one, since asymmetry does not mean imbalance but inequality.
On the other hand, an asymmetrical composition presents more freedom when it comes to making it and tends to arouse the viewer’s curiosity more. The symmetrical composition can come to seem monotonous, in contrast to the vitality of an asymmetrical one.
Examples of symmetrical compositions
The following image shows how the two parts of the bridge are aligned around an imaginary center line. As can be seen, when drawing this imaginary line through the center, we realize that there are two main elements, which are the bridges, distributed in equivalent positions on both sides of said axis.
The following is an example of a symmetric composition of the square. A square has four lines of symmetry: up/down; right left; and on both diagonals.
The following painting of a butterfly is another example of a symmetrical composition. In this case, the work has two axes of symmetry, one horizontal and the other vertical.
References
ABC Color (2019). The composition: symmetrical and asymmetrical (I). Taken from abc.com.py
Bejarano, EV (s/f). COMPOSITION Symmetrical and Asymmetrical. Taken from en.scribd.com
Composition of a photograph (s/f). Taken from fjarabo.webs.ull.es
The Symmetrical Composition (2011). Taken from slideshare.net
What is composition? (s/f). Taken from media.educacioncampeche.gob.mx