Observation: Figure/Ground

Three observations of figure/ground at work: a graphic print, a book cover and a memorial. All leverage the power of positive/negative relationship to capture our attention and convey a much deeper message.

Alex Steinweiss via The Daily Heller

A crack draws the passive black background into the action of the image while a blue heart punches a window through the darkness. The mirrored hearts create a sharp and symmetrical surrounding space where a 2-word headline can prevail.

The Second Plane by Martin Amis

Two identical forms nearly meet, a hint of cloud identifies the blue void as sky and, suddenly, we understand: we are looking up between the Twin Towers. Again, a mirrored composition creates a stable and focused space where relatively small typography can speak loud and clear.

9/11 Memorial by Michael Arad and Peter Walker

Where two towers once rose into the sky, now two waterfalls cascade into the abyss - a poetic positive/negative relationship to encourage remembrance and reflection. This is figure/ground on a conceptual scale.

"The form of an object is not more important than the form of the space surrounding it. All things exist in interaction with other things. In music, are the separations between notes less important than the notes themselves?" Malcolm Grear