Artists and works

Post Minimalism

Vito Acconci

Blinks 1969: With repetition and similarity this work is well placed on the side of harmony.

Trademark: Hard to define as it is a still from a live performance but taken as a photo the piece works well.  The similarity of line and value of the human form makes the work quit harmonious while maintaining tension from the abrupt intersection of line.

Post Minimalism

Sol Lewitt

Triangle, .1980: This work is beyond harmonious and sits well in the realm of patterning, yet the placement of the triangle and the direction of line creates a tension in the work in an attempt to not seem boring.  Still like most works where pattern is used the attempts failed.

Color Arcs in Four Directions, .1999: Here patterning takes an even more prominent role, yet once again the piece lacks depth and interest is short lived.

Minimalism

Barnett Newman

Adam 1951: While asymmetrical this work is still balanced due to its use of line and repetition of color.  A good example of how asymmetry does not always mean chaos. 

The World II 1954: Here too the work is asymmetrical yet the balance in not quite as good thus placing it farther towards chaos, but only slightly.

Abstract Expressionism

Mark Rothko          

White cloud Over Purple 1957: This work is symmetrical yet its use of clashing color creates a tension so strong that one wants to place it in the chaotic realm.

Number 10 1950: With more complementary colors along with the repetition of line and form this work work is easily defined as harmonious.

Abstract Expressionism

Louise Nevelson

Dream House 1972: Dream House has a strong use of patterning, yet the nature of the piece and the gapping of the pattern place it somewhere between pattern and harmony saving it from the monotony that comes from repeated use of the exact element. 

Royal Tide 1960: Not quite a pattern but more of a patterned feel makes up Royal Tide.  The repetition of boxes filled with similar items gives the elution of pattern while maintaining interest and identity.  Thus this piece fits well into harmony.

Today

Christina Empedocles

Mirrored Birds 2010: Empedocles’ work, in this series, lean heavily on repetition to the point of patterning.  Detail and placement is this pieces salvation and what keeps the work interesting.

Concert tabs 2010: Patter in less a part of this work though at first glance it may seem as such.  However, this piece is not patterned it is simply a repetition of thyme and subject matter.  Thus this work is more harmonious than patterning.

Today 

David Kinsey

Unknown Title 2010: This piece might seem chaotic yet due to the abstraction of the subject matter and overlaying imagery yet the use of complimentary colors and repetition of line, form, value, color, subject matter and proper use of placement gives the work a more harmonious quality than a chaotic one.

Unknown Title 2010: Again, we see a work that on the surface may seem chaotic but its truly quite orderly and refined.  The use of color, value, form and shape outweigh the varied patterns withing the piece and pull this work back from chaos and deep it the territory of harmony.