Reflection 6: Positive and Negative Spaces

Week 6 lecture was about contrast, black and white or dark and light shades in the pictures. We were taught about positive and negative spaces and the link between these two. The highlight or highlights of the picture can be boosted by using positive and negative spaces.

Like in this picture, the highlight is the prisoner there and the black and white color makes it more dramatic. The feeling of loneliness, being caged and guilty stands out when I looked in this picture. The loneliness comes in my mind because of how small the cell is and out side it, there is only blackness and nothing. Guiltiness stands out because of the black and shady person is sitting along and looking down and maybe thinking about the mistake that he made.

Another topic that was discussed was about Tenebrism which was the style of painting by dramatically contrasting effects of light.


As in this picture, the old man is highlighted and it focuses on the old man mostly. Not the one who is dragging the rope or the woman grabbing old man's legs. The woman under the old man is also not showing her face which means that the one who watches this picture, will most likely focus on the old man, his face, body and the situation he is in.


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