Contrast
Contrast adds variety and unifies the whole piece. This statue of Aztec deity Coatlicue is a great example of this. While it has low contrast due to piece being old and textures worn down, there is also a lot of high contrast. Due to it being made out of stone, it has to be carved into at all different depths in order to make textures or forms which ends up creating variety on the surface. The overhead lighting further shows this as shadows cast over areas that have been further carved into such as the legs and arms. This statue also has symmetrical balance. Imaging a straight line through the middle of the piece shows that each side is a mirrored image of the other and that this balance makes it cohesive.
Overall, contrast really brings the piece together and makes it stronger.
Glossary
Contrast: Refers to the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a composition so as to create visual interest, excitement and drama. Contrast creates variety within a unit, draws the eye to a focal point, creates a sense of adventure or mystery. Contrast is a unifier. Value contrast is when a character or object has a strong darks and lights compared to the scene around it. Size contrast is a gigantic space cruiser compared to much smaller fighters.
Asymmetrical balance: A dynamic compositional strategy in which each side of the axis are distinctly different yet belong to the same story.
High Contrast: A strong dissimilarity such as black letters on a white background. The high contrast setting is an accessibility feature built into interfaces to assist people with vision impairment. In visual perception of the real world, contrast is determined by the difference in the color and brightness of the object and other objects within the same field of view. Because the human visual system is more sensitive to contrast than absolute luminance, we can perceive the world similarly regardless of the huge changes in illumination over the day or from place to place.
Low Contrast: It means a minimum of contrast between light and dark, so that the image is either predominantly dark or predominantly light. The sun sets, dusk sets in and in the gloom there is low contrast in the landscape.
Symmetrical: A form of balance in which both sides of the axis are the same, a mirror image of each other, creating stability and formality. In visual storytelling the symmetrical formal balance is often contrasted with the dynamic action of asymmetrical configurations. For example, the formal balance and discipline on the Death Star in Star Wars is contrasted with the diversity of the different rebel cells and militias from across the galaxy. The dynamic contrasting rhythms and visuals of the dark side contrasted with the Jedi and rebel alliance has kept the franchise going for decades.
Contrasting camera angles: Part of your story is how you show as well as how you tell. The camera is your audience’s view of your story and should be well planned to reveal the story in the most effective way possible