"In and Out of Balance" asks us to consider how visual weight, tension, and spatial harmony are managed within a work of art. Off-balanced works may predominantly be unsymmetrical, yet still maintain a sense of symmetry in part of the composition, or not. Symmetrical works mirror equal arrangements to create a sense of calm, order and stability. Within those works there may still be an element that is off balance, or it may be asymmetrical with unequal elements holding equal visual weight through clever use of color, size and negative space.
Works may contain elements that radiate outward from a central focal point or axis in a balanced or unbalanced way. Deliberate weight shifts that make a piece feel precarious or unstable create visual tension. Off center focal points or clashing color values may create a sense of unease or energy that disrupt the expected composition. A sculpture may look like it might tip over, forcing the viewer to feel the risk of it being physically risky.
Balanced works feel harmonious, anchored, stable, mirrored, poised, rhythmic and equitable. Unbalanced works may feel unstable, perilous, shaky, uncertain, fractured, tenuous, weighted or restless. Many well-known artists deal with these ideas in their works including Richard Serra's "Strike: To Roberta and Rudy", Malevich's "Self Portrait in Two Dimensions", Andy Goldsworthy's "Balance", Tom Stodgon's "Sandstone Overlap", Piet Mondrian's "Composition II in Red, Blue and Yellow", Helen Frankenthaler's "Mountains and Sea", Agnes Martin's "The Islands", Sarah Sze's "Triple Point (Pendulum)", Wangechi Mutu's "The Bride Who Married a Camel's Nose", Cecily Brown's "Black Painting 2", Amy Sillman's "The Elephant in the Room", and others.
Acceptable media for this exhibition includes painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, photography, sculpture or any other fine art medium. Artists chosen will also be considered for our other programs, such as The Art Project JC lobbies, and online Artsy.net exhibits throughout the year. Drawing Rooms will feature selected works from this exhibition for sale on Artsy.net.
Artists included in any of our 2026 shows will have preferred status for our end-of-the-year holiday blow-out exhibition, The Big Small Show, replete with a full weekend Opening, wine, delicious holiday snacks, and a catalog.