The image above is known as a mandala, and in the buddhist world it symbolizes wholeness and peace and it is a representation of life involving infinity. In the art world, the shape can be considered a representation of symmetry. Symmetrical designs are very still and static, meaning they allow little or no movement around the shape. The eye is stuck in one place on the shape and has nowhere to travel. In this design and all other still and symmetrical designs, much use of balance is evident. The same shapes are distributed throughout the design in the same ways to create much balance throughout it. The stillness, use of symmetry, and avid use of balance in this piece are crucial in its meaning and use. If the eye was able to move everywhere and off the design, that would defeat the purpose of the use of the design to portray and represent infinity.
