Negative Space: Seeing what’s not There
Negative
space is something that is all around us. It exists in art, photography,
architecture, and even music! Simply put, negative space is the space that is
not filled by the subject of a painting or sound of a note. When you are aware
of negative space, you’ll start to notice how most things can be split into
positive and negative space.
In art, not many pieces especially play into the use of positive and negative space, but it’s still present. However, pieces that utilize positive and negative spaces cause the viewer to not know where one image ends and the other begins. For example, M.C. Escher’s Sky and Water II.
Why do we see images in negative space?
What these pieces of art are largely playing into is the human tendency to recognize patterns. Have you ever looked up at the sky and seen a cloud that sort of looked like something? That’s pattern recognition at work. I see pattern recognition as a double-edged sword. The same thing that allows us to learn at a faster rate (creating mnemonics) is what also allows us to see patterns that aren’t there (conspiracy theories). A picture you’ve probably seen that demonstrates this is the Figure-ground vase:
Another place where negative space is utilized
to great metaphorical effect is in the architecture of memorials. In Postcards from the Trenches, by Allyson Booth, she states, "It seems significant, though, that quite a number of memorials to the missing...serve primarily as the architectural boundaries of empty space" So, in memorials that are more
arch-like, the negative space represents the bodies of those that
aren’t there, but simply by the vastness of the space, it allows what isn’t there
to be seen.
Really really liked how you didn't just talk about the monuments but also the art behind negative space and how it connects to the monuemtns.
ReplyDeleteHey John, nice details! The photos really helped to explain in further detail and acted as a "see for yourself" for the reader. It helped me understand the topic of negative space more, and how it is utilized in the arts and photography. Also I enjoyed how you touched on the more symbolic/metaphorical ways that negative space could be perceived, such as in memorials. Nice post overall.
ReplyDeleteJohn, this is a really interesting post. The idea of negative space representing something that is not there but we percieve as being there is very interesting. Like the examples you've provided, i have seen optical illusions and pieces of art where negative space is used to show something. Also in more abstract forms, like a metaphor for the absence of the bodies of soldiers who went MIA, such as in the memorial structure in your final picture.
ReplyDeleteI liked the style in which you wrote, it seemed kind of comedic and laid back at the beginning of the blog, but you also asked some pretty thought provoking questions which juxtaposed with your tone, however, you seemed to also include a tone shift in the second and third paragraph, going from a comedic and conversational tone to a rather serious one. The examples you chose to use made it much easier to understand your questions.
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