Art And Visual Perception - Rudolf Arnheim

As with mathematical equations, patterns and structures are integral to all forms of art and design, or are they. Rudolf Arnheim makes the point that order and complexity in the right proportions are key to whether a design piece sits well, appeals to the eye and simply looks right. As a designer, I feel this balance cannot be something I overthink because at some point there must be trust in the element of intuitive foresight. I studied fine art for a time and indeed contemplated pursuing the discipline at university. In my experience I found that when I relaxed and created with flow and instinct, the patterns and structure did eventually emerge as a whole. Colours in particular for myself, always fell into place and on the whole the finished outcome did have order and complexity. 

If I were to analyse the pieces I have produced which I do not think are successful given this detailed insight by Arnheim, I can now see the lack of continuity, order for sure, but furthermore, I can track the absence of figure and similarity which all clearly contribute to the whole being pleasing. This said, what I consider to be my unsuccessful pieces may in fact sit with the intended disfunction of art as opposed to this design theory and therefore it could be argued, are more fluid and without boundaries. Surely a good image can only be one that informs us about the observed 'thing'. This means that it must leave out unnecessary details, concentrate on meaningful characteristics and convey them unambiguously to consciousness. Furthermore, it is completely essential for perception, and also for art, that which is seen possesses dynamic character. One has to understand perception and artistic expression as a dynamic relationship. Everything that appears in a work is effective due to forces that are manifested in form and colour. The dynamic between the forces, between the elements, conveys the expression. 

I would argue against the statement that the best designs unintentionally make the world feel a little less chaotic. Design is by definition inherently intentional. It has an intended purpose, intended message and often an intended audience. This is one of the differentiating factors between design and art. Whereas design can definitely be art, not all art would qualify as design since there is not always an intended message, purpose or audience but just is.

The notion of order and complexity being antagonistic when contemplating Gestalt design is interesting; where all of the parts contribute to the whole of the design in such a way that each part gains strength from each and every other part. This can be applied to all aspects of successful formats be that machinery, working practices and of course design technology. This is life itself and without awareness. It is a principal demonstrated in the way, people considered productive, successful, content, grounded and all of the other traits recognised as being contributors to the welfare and good mental health indicators, tend to live their life by, without on the whole even being aware of it.