As an experimental yet age-old approach to art, using negative space is a creative way to depict subject matter and craft intriguing compositions. By unexpectedly employing the untouched space surrounding the central figure or object of a work of art, artists can create pieces that are both aesthetically balanced and eye-catching.
Since negative space is inherently present in every medium and genre of art, artists across all disciplines are able to take advantage of its great potential. Traditionally, the compositional tool has been most widely used by artists producing drawings or paintings, as paper and canvas are prime surfaces for working with negative space. Sculptors have also dabbled in the practice, since creatively playing with space is particularly important to three-dimensional pieces. Recently, however, many contemporary artists have started to produce negative space art using a range of surprising and unconventional materials, from tattoo ink to fingernails.
Here, we explore the many mediums and genres of art that feature negative space in unexpected, creative, and contemporary ways.
Negative Space Drawing
Artist: Henrique de Franca
Artist: Ileana Hunter
Artist: Kei Meguro
Artist: Andrea Dezs. Read more: Striking Black and White Drawings Illustrate Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
Artist: Dan Burgess
Artist: Thiago Bianchini
Negative Space Graphic Design and Photography
Artist: Threadless
Artists: Amol Jadhav and Pranav Bhide. Read more: Clever Ad Campaign Promotes Pet Adoption Using an Optical Illusion Silhouette
Artist: Balazs Solti
Artist: Adil Siddiqui
Artist: Shigeo Fukuda
Artist: Tang Yau Hoong. Read more: Clever Negative Space Illusions
Artist: Tang Yau Hoong. Read more: Clever Negative Space Illusions
Artist: Tang Yau Hoong. Read more: Clever Negative Space Illusions
Artist: Michael Pippo
Negative Space Tattoo Art
Tattooist: Equilattera | Original Artist: Isa Wang
Artist: Matt Cooley
Artist: Maxwell Alves
Artist: Martynas Šnioka
Artist: Maxwell Alves
Artist: Victor J. Webster
Artist: Peter Blackhand Madsen
Artist: Martynas Šnioka
Artist: Gene Coffey