Contrast & Gestalt theory (Exercse 1)

Week 1 (Topic: Gestalt and Contrast) - Black paper, White paper and glue 

1. Contrast

Contrast in the context of visual design can be defined as a difference between two or more elements in a composition. The more the difference between the elements, the greater they are easy to compare and comprehend and that’s when they are said to have contrasted with each other.

Any characteristic of an element that can be varied can be used to make elements look the same or different. A few characteristics, however, are most often used to show similarity and contrast. In no particular order, these are:

• size,
• shape,
• color,
• value,
• texture,
• position,
• orientation.

Here are some visual representation:

Week 1 (Topic: Gestalt and Contrast)

For our first week assignment, we are assigned to create two different artworks using these two principles which are Gestalt and contrast.

The main idea of the artwork below was hugely inspired by a famous designer brand which is Chanel. Basically, I recreated the dripping logo and revamping it by using one of the visual elements which is contrast.

In the image above, I put two elements together which are shape and color. I created the same shape for each side of the image. However, I use opposite colors for each side of the image to achieve the visual element which is color contrast that makes the design of the image more interesting.

2. Gestalt Theory (Figure ground)

The figure-ground principle states that people instinctively perceive objects as either being in the foreground or the background. They either stand out prominently in the front (the figure) or recede into the back (the ground).

Distinctions between figure and ground can be accomplished in a number of ways:

• Contrast of color
• Blurred or out of focus background
• Placement of the figure in the image
• Magnifying the figure so that the ground is virtually non-existent
• Minimizing the figure so that the figure appears to be isolated or insignificant

Some art examples for figure ground:

My artwork for Gestalt Theory (Figure-ground)

The artwork was inspired by a human skull. I just wanted to create something minimal but also interesting at the same time. I personally really like skull. I'm a big fan of something that looks "edgy". Instead of just drawing a skull, I merge a butterfly shape into the skull to achieve the figure-ground effect. 

In the image above I deliberately destabilize  figure and ground  to add interest to the design. Notice how the figure and ground shift. When you focus on the figure (positive space)  you will be able to see a butterfly but when you focus on the ground (negative space) you will see a skull. I use a visual element which is contrast by using black and white to help the viewers focus attention where they want it.

Progression

First Sketch:

Second Sketch: