In addition to
Ma, Notan is another design principle to think about. Also a Japanese term, Notan refers to the interplay of dark and light. For artists it is something to bear in mind for composition and value. While considering the layout of a work, Notan is part of the decision to break up the space with interesting shapes, and to balance the darks and lights in a pleasing way - or a disturbing way, if that’s
what you’re after.
One way to check a composition is to reverse your image. The inverted values help in seeing in an abstract way if the shapes are interesting and if the darks and lights are balanced.
Metaphorically, Notan is a combination of presence and absence. The two, by nature of their dynamic opposition, create tension, and a mysterious, transcendent, ‘
third space’ is evoked.
10 comments:
all these interesting names for design principles!! i highly believe in "notan" to make a piece striking and pleasing to the viewer! i've just always called it high contrast...but it's a bit more than just that.
Your design works beautifully, both ways. Thanks.
Hi Kathryn, I know. Contrast is the start, with composition rolled into it.
Thanks Jean. Tree branches tend to form striking patterns all on their own.
Katherine, I'm really enjoying learning about these principals. Your sketches are just lovely and illustrate them well.
Thanks Elizabeth!
We probably all have a sense of these ideas without knowing the name or the definition - I see these elements in everyone here's work.
For me, I think knowing them helps when I get to the self critical part of the art making process. And as much as I'd prefer to forget about it and charge ahead, the more planning I use in the beginning, the better the process goes, leaving more time to experiment later.
Very interesting. I'm not a design person, but do enjoy reading about these things.
Thanks for coming by, Margaret.
I think the applications of Notan and Ma may be applied to many art forms, including music, writing, and theatre. In music for example, it works with the intervals and spaces between the notes, with the rhythm.
I love it both ways! And the shapes ARE very interesting!
Thanks, Palmer! Glad you think so!
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