Space is the area that surrounds and defines the objects, forms, colors, and lines within a composition. It serves as both a backdrop and a crucial part of the overall visual experience. In my work, I explore the dynamic relationship between positive and negative space, using it as a tool to enhance and redefine the composition.

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A Notan, a concept rooted in Japanese design, emphasizes the interplay between light and dark through a simplification of forms into black and white. It’s a reduction to the essentials, where positive space (the areas occupied by objects) and negative space (the areas around or between objects) are used to create balance and harmony.

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In my process, I sought to explore this relationship by carefully arranging symmetrical and asymmetrical objects within a black square. By isolating the objects and turning off their layers, I then flipped the outline of the object into the negative space. This allowed me to extract the positive space from the black square and transform it into part of the surrounding negative space. Through this approach, I aimed to highlight how the careful manipulation of space can alter the perception and interaction of shapes within a composition.

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Through this piece, I hope to draw the audience’s attention to the complexity and significance of Notan art. I want viewers to see how a seemingly simple exploration of black and white can reveal a deeper, more intricate conversation about space, balance, and form. It’s a study of how negative space is just as important as positive space in creating meaningful compositions.