Thursday, February 6, 2014

Principles of Modernism: Asymmetry

Monticello by Thomas Jefferson
Symmetry is a basic principle of classical design.

Leonardo DiVinci
The Last Supper

Buildings and paintings often are based on mirror-image symmetry
where each side reflects the other.
St. Albans Cathedral

Something we see in traditional quilt patterns
in which the sides are identical but flipped as a mirror image.

Bilateral symmetry gives a composition a solidity and
sedateness.


Or perhaps a dull and static quality,

Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright

One reason modern architects explored the asymmetrical building.

And fashion designers the asymmetrical garment.

Louise Brooks


Picasso dress for White Stag
1963

See a how-to on using asymmetry in design by clicking here:

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