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Negative space, in art, is the space around and between the subject(s) of an image. Negative space may be most evident when the space around a subject, and not the subject itself, forms an interesting or artistically relevant shape, and such space is occasionally used to artistic effect as the "real" subject of an image. The use of negative space is a key element of artistic composition. The Japanese word "ma" is sometimes used for this concept, for example in garden design.[1][2][3][4]
In a two-tone, black-and-white image, a subject is normally depicted in black and the space around it is left blank (white), thereby forming a silhouette of the subject. However, reversing the tones so that the space around the subject is printed black and the subject itself is left blank causes the negative space to be apparent as it forms shapes around the subject, called figure-ground reversal.
Elements of an image that distract from the intended subject, or in the case of photography, objects in the same focal plane, are not considered negative space. Negative space can be used to depict a subject in a chosen medium by showing everything around the subject but not the subject itself. Usage of negative space will produce a silhouette of the subject.
The use of equal negative space, as a balance to positive space, in a composition is considered by many as good design. This basic and often overlooked principle of design gives the eye a "place to rest," increasing the appeal of a composition through subtle means. The term is also used by musicians to indicate silence within a piece.
See also
References
- ^ "Interval in Time and Space-Ma". Japanese.about.com. 2009-11-03. http://japanese.about.com/library/weekly/aa082097.htm. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- ^ "FAQ: 'Ma' and 'Mu' - Japanese Gardens Forum - GardenWeb". Forums.gardenweb.com. http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/jgard/msg100248139141.html. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- ^ "ArtLex's Ne-Nz page". Artlex.com. http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/Ne.html. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- ^ "A Note for MA: Space/Time in the Garden of Ryoan-Ji - Iimura". Mfj-online.org. http://www.mfj-online.org/journalPages/MFJ38/iimura.html. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
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