Final answer:
The design principle that refers to visual equilibrium is Balance, which includes symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial forms, creating visual stability and aesthetics in a composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The design principle that refers to visual equilibrium is Balance. Balance in visual arts is the concept where the elements of a composition are arranged to create a feeling of stability and aesthetics. There are different types of balance, including symmetrical balance, which is the most visually stable and often involves a composition that is identical or nearly identical on both sides of an axis.
An example of this is Moon Jellyfish, which exhibit symmetrical balance, appearing ghostly against a black background, demonstrating an absolute symmetry in design. The concept of balance also extends to asymmetrical and radial forms, which can provide movement or dynamic character to a composition. Understanding the distribution of visual weight is crucial, and it is well exemplified by artists like Piet Mondrian, whose nonrepresentational paintings heavily focus on achieving a harmonious balance through geometric forms.