What is the term for the arrangement of visual elements in a work of art?

The term that refers to the arrangement of visual elements in a work of art is composition. Composition involves the way various components of an artwork—such as lines, shapes, colors, and textures—are organized to create a cohesive and effective visual experience. It is a fundamental concept in visual arts that affects how an artwork is perceived and understood by viewers.

A good composition considers factors like balance, contrast, focus, and movement. These elements work together to guide the viewer’s eye and convey the artist's intended message or emotional impact. For example, the placement of subjects, the use of space, and the relationship between the different elements all play a crucial role in creating a successful composition.

While layout refers to the arrangement of elements within a specific space, often associated with graphic design, and design itself can be a broader term that encompasses the overall planning and aesthetic of a piece of art, composition specifically zeroes in on the interplay and arrangement of those elements to form a visually compelling work. Structure, on the other hand, can imply the physical framework or the underlying organization of an artwork, but does not capture the nuanced arrangement of visual elements as directly as the term composition does.