Static or Dynamic Composition

I think it's important when talking about a topic that you must first have an understanding of it. As such, I would like to have for record the definition of static and dynamic composition as is written on The National Gallery website. (http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/glossary/composition)

First let us examine static composition and pieces of that origin.
 "A 'static composition', for example, might stress horizontal and vertical accents, closure at the edges of the painting, and subdued colour and tonal contrasts, to give an effect of orderliness and repose " (National Gallery.org)

Then here are three examples of that: The first photo, the cube. The cube demonstrates aspects of static by showing closure at the edges of the cube. also but setting the dots along the cube it gives a sense of order. Like cubicles in an office space. I find this image neither pleasing nor disturbing, it does however strike curiousness as to why it was created. I think the message of the pieces to show that their are dips of chaos among so much structure and you don't have be stuck in a square  like state surrounded by darkness. The composition does support its meaning by reinforcing the message being portrayed. 

The second photo is the couple. The couple demonstrates aspects of static by having subdued color and tonal contrasts, like in their blue clothing in the tonal contrasts of being in the green healthy environment when blue is the color of sadness. I think the image is pleasing because I think it sends the message that sometimes through all the sadness all you need is each other and today. Which is represented through the intersection of their hand holding confirming the message.







The Third photo is the horizon. In the horizon static composition is demonstrated through the subdued color and the horizontal lines. The color being portrayed makes everything else fade away so that all that you can see is the ever elusive horizon. I find this image saddening. I think its more on the disturbing side because its so lifeless and more philosophical. With no life in the photo I think the message the artist intended to get across was life is bleak but their is always something off in the distance to admire and strive for. I think that is represented well in the composition.

Now let us examine Dynamic Composition.
"'dynamic composition', such as Rubens's 'Peace and War', on the other hand, might be based on intersecting diagonals, a lack of closure, vigorous contrasts of colour and light and dark accents - stressing movement, activity, conflict." (National Gallery.org)  The first photo is chaos. Chaos is dynamic composition because of all the intersecting lines and the lack of order. It is spitting in the face of order. The black lines mock the stipes by saying we will not be straightened. I find this image ok but I wish there was more feeling in it. I think the message here is break out of ordinary and defy it.

This second image is the Tree of Light. The Tree of Light is dynamic due to its obvious play with light and dark. There is no closure present either with the girl who one assumes is walking away. I find it rather extridinary. It seems to be portraying this message of eternal hope being in the light and just around a corner. I think the composition demonstrates that well.



Peace and War. Reuden clearly uses dynamic composition with the contrast of the dirty war and the light of the people. his analogies for light and peace being good and white and brown dirt is war and bad is the main theme here. Choas and complete lack of closure or peacfulness and extreme agression make this dynamic. I think it's beautiful because its meaning is so much more than what's been slated on a canvas.