Organization
by Gary Bonewald

In the language of art the principle of design the interpretation of organization will be visited in this discussion. From the Michigan State University College of Education states that organizational principles identify underlying characteristics in the visual arts include such things as repetition, balance, emphasis, contrast, and unity. Additionally, organization is described with such terms as pattern, design, rhythm and repetition. It includes selection and arrangement of forms and materials as well as elements of art.

In this picture it shows a unique yet very recognizable display of organization. As you observe you will note the usual white painted cinder block wall with the yellow accent stripe. On this wall you will note the red ceramic tiles with a nontraditional letter "M" in yellow. Even in a place where you don't expect to find a display of art sometimes you can find it. There are distinct lines and patterns noted here.

This example you will find in almost every city or town in some way shape or form. Here you have some local flavor in a small Texas town. On the building you will note the white cotton, the transportation module, the module itself and the end product (the cotton bail). If you note in the foreground cotton on the ground, on the left side you will see part of the transportation unit, and on the right in the distance you will see modules as well as a pallets used to put the bail on once it is processed. This does a very good job to help with the current organization of the cotton-picking industry in the state today. This has several examples of elements of art within the image.

In this picture you will notice the organization of the various frames in a vision care center. Note that similar frames are grouped together notes the vertical lines made by the eyewear themselves in which every other line is offset from the prior on the normal wall type displays. This is accented by the mirrors creating the vertical line image as well. Then note the similar organization in the vision care stands as well creating the illusion of vertical lines as well.

This picture was taken inside of a church. There are several organizational things to note here. Notice the four crosses that actually exist in this frame. Now with accent lighting three of those crosses create the illusion of additional crosses with the shadows created. Notice there are several similar colors that blend well to help with the organization as well as the green colors to contrast the others.

Here we see two pictures. One is from the inside and the other from the outside of the building. From the inside shot we can discover the many stained glasses used to create this window. You can observe the various colors that are present to create this work. From the outside shot we cannot make out that much detail. The natural light from the outside shining in creates the pleasing image we see in the inside.

This picture was taken 9/11/02 in observation of the events the year prior. Notice the framing with the trees and the lines created by the participants. Notice the shadows helping demonstrate the solemnest of the event. The focal point here is the flagpole in the distance. In the other picture you can observe similar elements within the picture. This was taken later in the morning. Notice though the flags are more prevalent within the picture. All other things appear to be focusing on them.

Here we are viewing the fountain view of the University of Houston College of Education. We are able to see a variety of colors and many other examples of the various elements and principles. The building is slightly offset to show the full view of the fountain in the foreground.

Here we see many examples of organization in various settings. Some of the places we expect to see elements of design and others we do not even usually give a second thought to. We find that within the topic of organization it can involve any element of art or principle of design. This is simply how the various elements and principles work together to create the end result. Just keep in mind that appears to be organization to some is not that to others.

Online Museums:

The Cour Napoleon; Day - Collage by Norman Barth 1995
This group of pictures shows a unique way to organize a large-scale project beyond the limitations of a single still picture. It is interesting how these pictures are all of the same area yet they each have some slight differences. They appear to be a continuous work but you can observe the slight changes between each section.
http://www.paris.org/Musees/Louvre/Scrapbook/gifs/louvre.pano.day.html

Landscape by Grant Wood, 1930
This work of art shows displays organization well. With in it there are many of the elements of art and principals of design arranged in a way that is pleasing to the eye yet has the viewer examining the work for more detail.
http://americanart.si.edu/t2go/1sa/index-frame.html
(then go to number 61 and click)

Bibliography

Web site from the Michigan State University College of Education:
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/letsnet/noframes/bigideas/b3/b3u211.html

Web site for the Louvre, Paris
http://www.paris.org/Musees/Louvre/

Web site for the Smithsonian Institution
http://www.si.edu/

Faulkner, Susan (1975) Art 7th Grade: A Resource Bulletin. Houston: HISD Printing and Publication.

Mattil, Edward and Marzan, Betty (1981) Meaning in Children's Art: Projects for Teaching. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.