Which term describes the cohesiveness of an artwork?

The term that describes the cohesiveness of an artwork is unity. In the context of art, unity refers to the sense of harmony and wholeness that allows various elements of the artwork to work together effectively. When an artwork possesses unity, all of its elements—such as colors, shapes, textures, and forms—are arranged in a way that creates a coherent and integral piece. This sense of togetherness helps the viewer to experience the work as a unified whole, rather than as a disjointed collection of parts.

In contrast, diversity refers to the variety of elements within the artwork, which might create visual interest but can also lead to a lack of cohesiveness if not balanced with unity. Contrast involves the differences between elements, such as light and dark or rough and smooth, which can enhance visual dynamics but doesn't inherently contribute to a sense of cohesiveness. Balance pertains to the distribution of visual weight in an artwork, which is important for achieving a stable composition but does not directly speak to the overall cohesiveness of the piece. Therefore, unity is the most appropriate term to describe how all aspects of an artwork come together as a cohesive entity.