Page 61 - Graphic Design and Print Production Fundamentals

Graphic Design 49

Figure 3.6 Example of negative or white
space

If, on the other hand, the work is balanced and the negative space is active, it brings energy to the form
and its space. The focal point or figure increases its visual power because there is contrast for the eye.
Another way to look at this is to see that the range or gamut of visual activity is increased and therefore
the experience is more satisfying to the eye.

When designers play with reducing or confusing positive and negative space, they create ambiguity.
Ambiguity creates tension, which increases the interest of a composition to the viewer and also increases
the visual energy of a design. There are three types of figure/ground relationships.

Stable figure/ground is the most common type. The positive element is clearly separate and defined
against its negative space. A good example of this is text blocks in magazines or books.

Reversible figure/ground is the second type and is found in most of the work of M.C. Escher. Both the
positive and negative space delivers ‘active’ information that feels equal to the eye and therefore creates
a toggling effect in the viewer. One shape is comprehended while the other acts as its negative space,
then the opposite happens and the negative space becomes meaningful and its opposite becomes the
neutral ‘holding’ space.

Ambiguous figure/ground creates a confusing lack of focal point. The eye searches for a dominant visual
‘starting point’ in the composition but can’t find one. Often this creates energy, and if the effect is
compelling, it invites the viewer to stay with the work for a long period of time, absorbing all of the
visual information.