Unity Definition in Art: Examples of Emphasis and Subordination

In art, unity refers to the sense of oneness and harmony created through various elements such as color, line, shape, and texture. One way to achieve unity is by using emphasis and subordination effectively in a composition. In this article, we will explore examples of emphasis and subordination in artwork.

Emphasis in Art

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Emphasis refers to the area or object within an artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point. An artist can use various techniques such as size, color, shape, and placement to create emphasis. The magenta circle in Victor Vasarely's op art piece is an excellent example of emphasis. Although the colors in the rest of the composition are fairly intense, they are much less intense than the magenta circle. This creates a clear visual hierarchy, with the magenta circle being the dominant element.

Subordination in Art

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Subordination, on the other hand, refers to minimizing or toning down other compositional elements in order to bring attention to the focal point. In the same op art piece, the gray circles and background are muted and blend in rather than stand out from the composition. This creates a sense of subordination, allowing the magenta circle to take center stage.

Examples of Emphasis and Subordination

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The red circle in Vasarely's artwork is an excellent example of both emphasis and subordination. The large, intensely red circle draws attention due to its intense color and size, making it the focal point of the composition. Meanwhile, the small gray circles are muted and blend into the background, creating a sense of subordination.

Another example can be seen in complementary color combinations. Complementary colors, which are located across from each other on the color wheel, have a high degree of intensity and draw attention. The red circle in Vasarely's artwork is bordered with an intense green, which is a complementary color to the red. This creates a dramatic contrast, emphasizing the red circle even further.

In conclusion, emphasis and subordination are essential elements in creating unity and visual interest in art compositions. By using techniques such as size, color, shape, and placement, artists can create focal points that draw attention and create a sense of harmony in their artwork.

Unity definition in art examples