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.
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