SYMMETRY ART

WHAT IS SYMMETRY ART?

• Symmetry in art is when the elements of a painting or drawing
balance each other out.This could be the objects themselves, but
it can also relate to colors and other compositional techniques.
It is a balance that is achieved by the arrangement of elements
on both side of the center, in other words, the image would look
identical on either side, formed through horizontal or vertical
division.
• Symmetry in art is a formal type of balance that consists of
mirroring portions of an image.
-Because of its very structured and equally
proportioned nature, symmetrical balance is best
suited for if the desired effect requires a sense of
order, clarity, and consistency. For the eye, the idea of
balance and repetition that follows an identical rhythm
is a place of rest and this type of image is easy to
follow.

-A balanced composition feels right, It feels stable and

aesthetically pleasing. While some of its elements
might be focal points and attract your eye, no area of
the composition draws your eye so much that you
can't see the other areas.
OKIR/UKKIL
 OKIR/UKKIL
• To ethnic Muslims, the term ukkil or okir,
means both the art of sculpting or carving and
a particular curvilinear design.
• The Okir Motif is an art depicting the
indigenous originality and skill of the
Maranaos. It is a fine art of figuring, painting,
carving and sculpturing depicting the social
and psychological identity of Maranao Society.
 OKIR/UKKIL
• The Okir (motif) is an exclusive artistic cultural
heritage of the Maranaos of Lanao, Philippines. It
is as an artistic design of the Maranao native
inhabitants of Southern Philippines beginning
from the early 6th century before the
Islamization of the area. Okir is a design or
pattern often rendered or curved in hardwood,
brass, silver and wall painting in curvilinear lines
and Arabic geometric figures.
 OKIR/UKKIL
• In the book of Dr. Nagasura Madale, it explains that the
Okir has patterns which are used by the Maranao
artists. They call them: (1) Matilak (circle), (2) Potyok
(bud), (3) Dapal (leaf), (4) Pako (fem or spiral form). (5)
Todi (fern leaf with spiral at upper edge, (6) Pako lungat
(ferm leaf with a cut at ore edge). Other elements
found by Dr. Madale are: Naga, obid-obid binotoon,
kianoko, pakonai and tialitali.
• The terminology used by artists is not familiar with our
common usage because they have their technical terms
in their exclusive use.
Known for using okir

Imao is known for using the okir, sarimanok and the

naga as motifs in his artworks and is credited for
popularizing the motifs to the Filipino national
consciousness. Imao draws inspiration from Tausūg
and Maranao art.