Elements and Principles: Unity and Variety, and Contrast

Anesia Joseph-Gonsalves’ Bloomage (2020), mixed media, 24” x 36” (Photo courtesy of the artist)

In our final discussion regarding the Principles of Design, let us turn to unity and variety first and to contrast second.

When we talk about unity in art, we are talking about the same concept that is applied to how ideally, we wish people of different orientations should live – in oneness, in harmony. Therefore, unity in art refers to the composition’s different parts co-existing within the whole harmoniously. Unity allows us to feel like the work is a singular unit that is meant to be rather than an awkward assembly of parts. In other words, unity allows for the parts to come together to create a sense of oneness and belongingness.