In aesthetics, "unity in variety" (sometimes "unity in diversity"[1]) is a principle declaring that in art beauty can come from the variety of diverse components grouped together thus creating a fused impression as a whole.[2] In the more broad meaning, to find pleasure in interaction with any set of objects, humans need to perceive order among the parts of the set.[3] Human brain is wired to see the connections, so finding such groups (based on elements being close together or having similar looks, sounds, or textures[4]) feels aesthetically pleasing.[5]
Paul Hekkert offers a multi-course meal as an example: a pleasing meal might have a variety of tastes between different courses, yet the unity is provided by the (common) consistency of tastes within each course.[5]
The interdisciplinary concept of unity in variety is studied in psychology (principles of grouping constitute part of the Gestalt theory[4]), philosophy, visual arts, music, information theory.[3]
- ^ Cupchik & Winston 1996, p. 62.
- ^ "unity in variety". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary.
- ^ a b Post, Blijlevens & Hekkert 2016, p. 142.
- ^ a b Hekkert 2006, p. 166.
- ^ a b Hekkert 2006, p. 167.
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