Asymmetry exists when one side of a painting does not
mirror the design of the other. It does not necessarily
mean the piece is unbalanced. In fact, Japanese ikebana
demonstrates very well how harmony can be achieved
even when a composition is lopsided. Asymmetry is the
type of balance or intentional unevenness characteristi-
cally found in Japanese art where it is called hacho. When
an asymmetrical design is disturbingly off-balance, the
result is disharmony. If disharmony is what you are aiming
for-as in an artistic statement about the horrors of war,
for example- then this IS one way to achieve it.
H o w T O COMPOSE I 31