Space

Space:

Space is the element of art that refers to the area around, between, and within objects. It can be positive space (the main subject or object in an artwork) or negative space (the empty or open areas around it). Together, positive and negative space create balance and define how objects relate to each other in a composition.

Artists use techniques such as overlapping, size variation, placement on the page, detail, color, and perspective to create the illusion of depth and distance in two-dimensional artworks. This is often described as foreground, middle ground, and background. In three-dimensional art, space is actual and can be physically experienced by moving around the work.

By thoughtfully using space, artists can make their work feel more open or crowded, shallow or deep, calm or energetic, guiding the viewer’s eye and shaping how the artwork is experienced.