Dallellisse

Dallellisse is a neologism in art and design describing a visual and spatial principle in which flat, planar slabs (dalles) are integrated with elliptical forms (ellipses) to produce a sense of movement and tension within a composition. The term is used by some critics and practitioners to discuss patterns found in tiling, sculpture, and architectural facades, where straight, modular elements coexist with curved motifs.

Etymology: The word combines dalle, from French for slab, and ellisse, the Italian/French word for ellipse. It was coined to capture a recurring strategy in modern visual culture, where rigid geometry and organic curves are juxtaposed to create rhythmic unity.

Characteristics and applications: Dallellisse emphasizes the alignment of elliptical curves with the edges and planes of slabs. In tiling, this can appear as elliptical motifs that connect grid-like units; in sculpture and façades, it appears as curved ribbons or apertures intersecting with planar planes. The approach is used to convey dynamism without excessive ornament.

Reception: Dallellisse remains a niche label rather than a clearly defined movement. Some scholars view it as a descriptive shorthand for a broader set of geometric experiments; others see it as a useful heuristic for analyzing contemporary design languages.

See also: Geometric tiling, ellipse, tessellation, architectural ornament.