which one of the following statements is a potential problem when formal balance is used in a composition?

Question

symmetry can prematurely arrest the viewers eye?
it can create too much negative space?
viewers have a hard time understanding a drawing with formal balance?
because symmetry is unpleasant to the eye, viewers become confused and uncomfortable?

Answer 1

Symmetry is unpleasant to the eye.

Since Antiquity, the art of composition was governed by the "golden ratio", which is the ideal ration between horizontal and vertical coordinates if a and b are the coordinates, then "a + b is to a as a is to b". or "phi = 1 + sqrt(5) divided by to", +- 1.61.

At least since the Renaissance, many artists and architects have proportioned their works to approximate the golden ratio—especially in the form of the golden rectangle, in which the ratio of the longer side to the shorter is the golden ratio—believing this proportion to be aesthetically pleasing. Mathematicians have studied the golden ratio because of its unique and interesting properties.

Unsurprisingly, it was discovered that the golden ratio corresponds to some physical constants. So it is not surprising that human eye "likes" this ratio and is not too fond of complete symmetry.

A little rule : divide your space in three vertically, then in three horizontally and place your subject at one of the intersections.

Now, if you want to draw a mantra, which is used by Hindus for meditation, symmetry, symmetry and symmetry is the keyword !

Answer 2

The last option sounds the most feasible. It depends on what you are talking about, though. A symmetrical depiction of a human being is fine; a landscape centered in the middle of a picture is often frowned upon. I somewhat disagree with these types of questions, because they presuppose so many things about what makes art "good".

Anyhow, God bless.

Answer 3

there is always asymmetrical balance. you may have to take that into account when asking your questions about formal balance.