Art Encyclopedia - Rhythm

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Rhythm
In art, rhythm is allied to movement and relies on repeating units, patterns, shapes, curves etc.

Rhythm is the relation of forms coherently united. Thus coherence is obtained by the repetition of similar shapes throughout or across the art work. The shapes and effect are independent of the descriptive function and can be found in dissimilar things.

Rhythm was initially a musical term, and in painting the meaning is not as clear. In music it has to do with time and the succession in time of beats, measures and phrases. Painting on the other hand is the art of space and not time.