Figure and Ground
The eye differentiates an object from its surrounding area. A form, silhouette or shape is naturally perceived as figure (object), while the surrounding area is perceived as ground (background).
Balancing figure and ground can make the perceived image more clear. Using unusual figure/ground relationships can add interest and subtlety to an image.
So part of a composition that we pay attention to is called figure. The figure is also called a positive shape. In a simple composition there maybe only one figure. In a complex composition there will be several things to notice. As we look form one to another they each become figure in turn.
Recognisable objects (subject matter) are easy to see as a figure. In compositions without recognisable subject matter what we see as a figure depends on the abstract relationship between the visual elements. The most interesting at any moment is the figure.
Figure
The word "Figure" above is clearly perceived as a figure with the surrounding white space ground. It is usually the smaller of the elements in visual field.
In this image, the figure and ground relationships change as the eye perceives the form of a window shade or the silhouette of a face.
The image uses complex figure/ground relationships which change upon perceiving leaves, water and tree trunk.
Ground
Everything that is not figure is "Ground". As attention shifts from figure to figure the ground also shifts so that an object can go from figure to ground and back.
Ground is sometimes thought of as a background but this is not always true. In a flat composition there is nothing behind the figure (if there was there would be the illusion of depth). The shapes are side by side.
When the figure is surrounded by space in the composition the ground looks like a shape (the format) with a hole in it the shape of the figure. In case the ground looks like a background for the figure and there is a shallow space developed. In the above example the figure and ground are both visible even though the ground are both visible even though the ground (black) is all that is show.
If the figure contacts the edge of the format or other figure shapes the ground seems to surround the figure and a series of ground shapes are made. These are called negative shape and no longer appear as a background. The space stays flat.
White Space
White space refers to the canvas/page space left in between different elements of your design. This could be also referred to as a negative space. It is significant because it keeps your design from being too cluttered or too confusing.
There are two main types of white space in Graphic Design:
- Active White Space
- Passive White Space
This is the space that you make a conscious effort to add to your design for emphasis and structure. Active white space is often asymmetrical, which makes the design look more dynamic and active.
Passive White Space
This is the white space that occurs naturally, such as the area between words on a line or the space surrounding a logo or graphic element.
A generous use of white space can give sense of luxury or 'Lifestyle'...
But 'white space' does not have to be white...'
Although one additional thing that white space really helps with is the defining of where the viewer's emphasis should be.
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