Cheng Mun's 2208 Journal

Original Image

Negative Space

Response:

In my first attempt at positive and negative space, I did not really know which parts I should black out. The original image has a sense of melancholy as Totoro stares into the distance, and somewhat blends into the background due to the similarity of colours.

Description:

The first step I took was to black out the background. As a result, Totoro stands out more as there is a significant contrast in colours. The black colour also makes the mountains in the original image look like the night sky.

Next, I blacked out the tree branches as well as the foreground, excluding the two creatures. This made the the remaining characters seem like they are enveloped in shadows, giving a more sinister vibe to the image. By blacking out the background and foreground, perceived distance disappears. Totoro and the two creatures seem much nearer to one another. Perhaps, this is due to the eradication of the different shades of colours which give depth to an image.

Thereafter, I decided to black out the two creatures, and part of Totoro's body. With most of the details removed, Totoro looks just like a baby in a blanket, with a tree branch tattoo.

After colouring Totoro's eyes, it looks more sinister than ever, as its eyes look hollow.

Analysis and Interpretation:

When colours and/or shades of colours are removed, perceived distance and depth disappears (i.e. when a single colour is used, one cannot perceive distance). Removing certain details can completely alter the meaning and intention of the original image. In this case, the melancholic landscape has now turned into one where Totoro looks like a sinister baby in a blanket.

Evaluation:

In this exercise, I had left Totoro to the last. However, I wonder how the image would have turned out if Totoro, the main element of this image, were to be the first element blacked out. Perhaps, by blacking Totoro out, it would look more like a shadow in the background, extending the distance between the two creatures in front and Totoro.

As such, the choice of blacking out different elements may result in differing perceived distances. When the background and foreground is blackened, perceived distance shortens. When Totoro is blacked out, perceived distance lengthens.

Positive Space

Response:

I had wanted to see what the same images looked like when coloured white, hence I replicated the sequence above, but in white this time. By comparing two of the same images, differing effects of positive and negative space becomes clearer.

Description:

I followed the steps I did in the 'negative space' exercise above.

With a white background, the image looks brighter and more ethereal. The trees can be seen here as opposed to 'negative space' as the black contrasts with the white background (gestalt principles - figure and ground).

After removing the grass patches and trees, the background and foreground is now connected by a single colour. This, similar to 'negative space' removes perceived distance due to the eradication of shades, shadows and details.

Just like 'negative space', removing the two creatures make Totoro seem like it is under a white blanket.

Analysis and Interpretation:

In both exercises, removing shades, shadows and details leads to the loss of perceived distance. The reasons for the difference in the meaning of the final images go back to colour. When black is used, the image seems more sinister and menacing. This is because black is commonly associated with death, mourning and evil. With the whites brought out, the image seems less menacing. This is because white is commonly thought to be pure, ethereal, and innocent.

Evaluation:

In subsequent exercises, I should try to remove prominent elements in the background instead of the background itself, to determine the various implications of positive and negative space.

Scale:
Original Image

Scaling the planets

Scaling the planets did not result in a stark difference from the original image. The scaled images still look relatively normal. On one hand, it could be because the difference in the sizes of the planets scaled are not significantly different. On the other, it could because the differing sizes of the planets still mimic reality.

When comparing the scaled images, the differing sizes results in perceived distance. The smaller the planet, the further away it seems.

Scaling the astronaut (in the middle)

Similar to the scaled planets, the scaled astronaut looks normal. The smaller the astronaut, the further away it looks.

Scaling the head of an astronaut

I wanted to create something that did not look normal. Hence, I enlarged the head of the astronaut. This made the astronaut look more cartoon-like. When a section of an element is scaled, the deviation from the original image (on the left) is more obvious.

Constructive Critique

The original image is a magical starscape. As mentioned, when an entire element is scaled, the resulting image looks relatively normal. The difference in sizes leads to perceived distance where the larger image looks closer to the viewer. Then again this depends on the context of the image as well.

When a portion of an element is scaled, the resulting image may deviate from the norm and seem odd. With reference to the final image of the scaled head, the larger head makes the astronaut look more cartoon-like on its own. However, when compared to the other astronauts, he seems as though he has an allergic reaction of some sort. This highlights the importance of contextual cues.

Thus, from this exercise, I learnt that size creates distance, and context provides important insight to how "normal" an image seems.

Repetition:

Learning from the 'scaling' exercise. in order to make the image look unusual, I had chosen to duplicate the heads.

Constructive Critique

I was drawn to the original image because of the colour scheme used. The colours green and purple are complementary on the colour wheel, and the neon colours make the image pop and stand out. The original image looks like a normal beach scene with the sun setting in the background.

The final image is wildly distorted. By duplicating the heads, the meaning of the image has most definitely shifted from the originally simple beach scene. As the face is typically a representation of one's identity, when the faces are multiplied, it points towards the multitude of identities the character holds. When the head is placed in the sky, it's size in comparison to the female in the background makes her seem like an all knowing, god-like figure.

Here, I attempted to make the image seem more normal by duplicating the cans of, what I assume is, beer. By duplicating the beers, the meaning of the image has also shifted to make the character seem more like an alcoholic.

As such, from this exercise, I learnt that the choice of element one chooses to replicate has differing implications on the meaning of the final image. The number of times an element is replicated also results in separate meanings. With reference to the image above, the more the beer cans, the greater the severity of her drinking problem seems.

Deconstruction:

Here, the deviation of the final image from the original image is most apparent. I first cut out all the elements of the original image. Many of the resulting images were not whole and had random gaps and holes in them as the original image was heavily layered.

Constructive Critique

Again, I was drawn to the original image due to the striking neon colours and the whimsical foodscape.

The final deconstructed image has transformed into an alien battlefield. The arrangement of the various elements, coupled with common associations of various shapes (e.g. circles to eyes), allow viewers to perceive the combination of elements as an alien.

Depending on how one deconstructs and arranges the elements, the resulting image can be a complete deviation from the original image. The meaning and the intention of the original image is completely lost in the final image.