THE PROJECT
Create a composition using different cut out shapes in various sizes as necessary. Use the three types of figure/ground relationship to create a unique and effective composition:
Stable: It’s apparent what’s figure and what’s ground. One or the other typically dominates the composition. The form or figure stands clearly apart from its background.
Reversible: Both figure and ground attract the viewer’s attention equally. This design is often dynamic because both vie for attention and can overtake the other. It can alternate receding and forwarding. The eye perceives it first as dominant and next subordinate.
Ambiguous: Elements may appear to be both figure and ground at the same time. They form interesting shapes, and the viewer can make their own interpretation.The figure and ground challenges the viewer to find a focal point. Figure is enmeshed into the ground.There is no discernable dominance.
Use contrasting (variation in size) shapes against each other, layer shapes as you need, merge them together or place them strategically keeping in mind the aesthetics of your composition.
Crop, combine, repeat, mirror, rotate, enlarge, and/or reduce the shapes.
Think creatively, aesthetically and be innovative:
• Figure/ground relationship- stable/reversible/ambiguous
• Balance- symmetrical/asymmetrical/all-over, equalized tension
• Composition- dynamic/static
• Vertical/diagonal/horizontal
• Hierarchy (emphasis)
• Movement/directionality
Student Work
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Spring 2022
Fall 2021