What does weight refer to in an artistic composition?

Weight in an artistic composition refers to the placement of elements to create visual effect, specifically how components within a piece interact to achieve balance, harmony, or tension. Artists use various techniques, such as color, size, and position, to manipulate the perceived weight of elements, guiding the viewer’s eye throughout the work.

When elements are strategically placed, they can create a sense of equilibrium or imbalance, influencing how a viewer experiences the artwork. For example, a larger shape may feel heavier visually than a smaller shape, and placing it in a specific position can lead to a dynamic interplay between light and heavy elements. This principle is crucial in art as it helps to establish the overall mood and message of the composition.

In contrast, concepts like the thickness of materials, the physical weight, or the size of the artwork itself do not address how these elements interact visually to generate a specific effect in artistic perception, which is at the heart of what "weight" means in this context.