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Monthly Themes (T&D)

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Sophie UHRIG

October Monthly Themes - Harmony and Disharmony

Hello everyone!


I hope everyone is doing well and that any Aoraki students do well on any October exams they have :D If you do have external exams, please don't feel any pressure to share art, I understand as an A2 student and exam veteran :)


This month I’m going to do something slightly different with the themes and have one overarching theme with points of focus to consider different facets of the main theme. This is just a trial run, so let me know how you would prefer the themes to be organized.


Anyway, the overall theme for this month will be; HARMONY AND DISHARMONY


You can choose to tackle this theme in of itself or use the following focus points to guide you!

Here are the different point of focus that you might consider in your art work:


1. Proportion

  • Proportion is not necessarily about anatomy - don’t get too nervous too quickly! Essentially, proportion refers to the size and scale of the various elements within a piece in relation to one another. Depending on the type of proportion used, it can give a composition a more stylized or realistic appearance. An artist’s use of proportion is key to balance and harmony.

  • Here is a fantastic video explaining what proportion is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPYbz6lTmeY

  • If you want to challenge this theme, create your piece considering your use of proportion and play around with using proportion to create focal points and interesting compositions,

  • This blog goes over some type of proportionality (standard, altered, hierarchical, out of proportion) you might want to consider: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-proportion-in-art-definition/  

  • As an example, let’s look at surrealist painter Salvador Dali (a crossover from last month)

In The Elephants (1948) by Salvador Dali, he uses atypical out of proportionality proportions as the elephants have unusually long spindly legs which subvert the usually powerful connotations of elephants and creates an interesting and remarkable surrealist image. If you are interested in further analysis of the effect of this choice of proportion you can check out this article: https://www.1st-art-gallery.com/article/the-elephants-by-salvador-dali/?srsltid=AfmBOorM-oKckq9eMMiuIE-Je49ib6dGLhnGEbdNJCBr_omE7d4af1ko
In The Elephants (1948) by Salvador Dali, he uses atypical out of proportionality proportions as the elephants have unusually long spindly legs which subvert the usually powerful connotations of elephants and creates an interesting and remarkable surrealist image. If you are interested in further analysis of the effect of this choice of proportion you can check out this article: https://www.1st-art-gallery.com/article/the-elephants-by-salvador-dali/?srsltid=AfmBOorM-oKckq9eMMiuIE-Je49ib6dGLhnGEbdNJCBr_omE7d4af1ko

Dali has also used more standard and hierarchical proportions as seen in The Sacrament of the Last Supper (1955). This piece is structured through strict proportion and symmetry, being divided between foreground figures and background space. Its proportions are thought to be in line with the Golden Rectangle and Golden Ratio to produce a composition that is harmonious and well-balanced. Furthermore, the apostles are arranged in mirrored balance around Christ, their repetition emphasizing harmony rather than individuality, as well as their lesser status as they are proportionally smaller than the central figure.
Dali has also used more standard and hierarchical proportions as seen in The Sacrament of the Last Supper (1955). This piece is structured through strict proportion and symmetry, being divided between foreground figures and background space. Its proportions are thought to be in line with the Golden Rectangle and Golden Ratio to produce a composition that is harmonious and well-balanced. Furthermore, the apostles are arranged in mirrored balance around Christ, their repetition emphasizing harmony rather than individuality, as well as their lesser status as they are proportionally smaller than the central figure.

2. Opposition and Asymmetry

  • Asymmetrical balance involves using unequal visual elements on either side of a composition to create a sense of harmony or disharmony, often through altering the space, color, lighting, or texture of opposing elements and not mirroring elements across a central axis. Artists often use this technique to add variety, suggest movement, and create visual intrigue. It can also be used to present symbolic meaning as it allows for different elements to be juxtaposed (e.g. light vs dark), creating a relationship between them in the piece. 

  • For this sub theme, consider using asymmetry and putting elements in opposition to one another to create meaningful pieces :)

  • I highly recommend this bitesize UK revision article to get started on this theme: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zsjmmnb/revision/3 

  • As well as this fascinating look at asymmetry in traditional Asian art: https://gotheborg.com/glossary/composition.shtml 

Avenue in Schloss Kammer Park (1912) by Gustav Klimt
Avenue in Schloss Kammer Park (1912) by Gustav Klimt
Victor Ekpuk's Mickey on Broadway (2011)
Victor Ekpuk's Mickey on Broadway (2011)


3. Connection and Conflict

  • Okay the last two were quite technical so this last focus is about the inspiration and meaning you might want to portray. That being interpersonal harmony and disharmony between people, characters, animals, etc, focusing on how people conflict and connect to each other.


Have fun,


Sophie

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