Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
resolved with the form and with the composition as a whole.
Static and Dynamic
The proportions of positive and negative might be generally static
or generally dynamic. Because the picture plane is already a flat environment where
movement and depth must be created as an illusion, fighting the tendency of two-di-
mensional form to feel static is important. The spaces within a composition will gener-
ally appear static—in a state of rest or inertia—when they are optically equal to each
other. Spaces need not be physically the same shape to appear equal in presence or
“weight.” The surest way of avoiding a static composition is to force the proportions
of the spaces between forms (as well as between forms and the format edges) to be as
different as possible.
As soon as a form enters a given space, the space is changed and structure appears—simple
as this might be. There are now two spaces created by the form's location in the center of the
format—each similar in quality, shape, and volume.
Without changing the form—except for a minor repositioning—the volumes, shapes, and qualities
inherent in the spaces surrounding the form are made different from each other.
