What term describes total contrast that brings about contradiction in a design?

The term that describes total contrast bringing about contradiction in a design is "opposition." In floral design and broader artistic contexts, opposition refers to the use of opposing elements, such as color, shape, or texture, to create visual interest and dynamic tension within a composition. This concept allows designers to explore the relationships between differing components, enhancing the overall impact of the design.

In this context, opposition encourages the viewer to engage with the piece more deeply, as the stark contrasts compel attention and provoke thought. By interspersing elements that are fundamentally different, a designer can create a more complex and compelling arrangement, making opposition an essential principle in design. This differs from the other terms, which don't specifically capture the notion of contradiction inherent in opposing forces. Contrast deals with the differences in elements but doesn't emphasize contradiction itself; variation offers diversity without necessarily opposing elements, while unity focuses on cohesiveness rather than conflict.