compositional device to create harmony and balance in modern art

 Modern artists like Arp, Mondrian and Picasso used the same techniques to create harmony and balance.

This time I trace back how they rediscovered the a priori grammar.

According to Saussure, the words used in everyday life are variations (parole) used by each person and are based on an a priori grammar (langue).

This can be applied to the visual grammar of paintings.

Most of paintings are parole, and only the masterpieces can be said to reach Langue's level.

The circle- cross model on the checkered pattern shown in the previous blog has indicated the highest level of design,

which I call the perfect design model.

Arp

Mondrian
Picasso 

Matisse's Dance Paintings I and II allow us to compare freely drawn painting and designed painting.

It is clear that all the nude figures in Dance II were redrawn in the same manner as the nude figure on the left in Dance I.

You can see that the curve has a clear bend and is made up of a limited circular arc.



This technique is clearly influenced by Cézanne's bath paintings.

As far as we know, Cezanne's first designed work was ``Five Bathers'' at the Kunsthaus Basel.



I do not think that Cezanne used this method consciously.

Seeking harmony and balance makes this way unintentionally.

arc-circle model on grid can estimate the degree of harmony and balance.



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