Term: Negative Space

A term used to describe the space surrounding the subject and other objects in a painting or drawing. Negative spaces may be most evident when the space forms an interesting or artistically relevant shape.

Negative space is a compositional tool that encloses and shapes the objects to give them a sense of volume and form. Balancing the negative and positive spaces in a composition is considered by many to be a good practice. Effective use of negative spaces makes a composition more appealing because it gives the viewer a place to rest.

In this case, the word "negative" is not used in a derogatory sense as it describes a very useful design element. In Japanese art tradition, what we call negative space is referred to as ma. It is relevant in every Japanese art form of art. Ma is considered a particularly valuable type of space rather than being empty or insignificant. When properly used, negative spaces are just as important as the objects the spaces silhouette.