Negative Space Definition

Simply put the definition of negative space is the area around and between a subject.

Negative space definition. American heritage dictionary of the english language fifth edition. 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 not the subject itself forms an interesting or artistically relevant shape and such space occasionally is used to artistic effect as the real subject of an image. The space around an object.

Empty or subordinate space surrounding an object of perception conceived in terms of its aesthetic effect. It appears in all drawings and paintings and one of the best examples of it is the optical illusion called rubin s vase. Copyright 2016 by houghton mifflin harcourt publishing company. Negative space is a fundamental of art you ve undoubtedly seen it before even if you didn t know the name for it.

It is also the space between an object and the edges of the canvas i e. The opposite of negative space is positive space. And it is the space between the petals of a flower. Negative space is the space around and between the subject of an image.

Just as important as the object itself negative space helps to define the boundaries of the positive space and brings balance to a composition.