Unity

    Unity is "...the presentation of an integrated image, [and] is perhaps as close to a rule as art can approach (Design Basics, p.28)." Unity is found in many things including both 2D and 3D designs. In the picture above (right) we immediately see that these figures are similar. The unity between them is not just because we recognize all the people as women, but also through the repetition of their arms sweeping outwards toward each other. Their arms intertwine and we see a connection or unification of their bodies. In addition the vertical lines of their long dresses draping downward and blend together. We also see hints of red and orange with accents of the contrasting blue color throughout the figures unifying the composition and adding to the overall unity found within the painting. 

     We also see unity in not only 2D designs but 3D designs as well. In the picture of a seven headed African elephant unity carving above on the left, we see unity through repetition. If we took this statue apart and only saw one of the figures we would not be able to understand the meaning of this piece. The repetition of the 7 heads facing inwards and interlocking bodies greatly emphasizes the unity we see in this object. The different angle variations as well as the slight variations of the hand-carved heads in help balances unity with variation. This approach of using a common theme (in this case a repeating image/ head of the elephant) and the variation of the angels are the backbone of unity.


[Images from: http://www.art.com/products/p12153447-sa-i1540138/monica-stewart-unity.htm,  http://www.acaciawoodcarvings.com/servlet/the-113/elephant-seven-head-unity/Detail]