Contrast
Contrast in composition involves the juxtaposition of elements that are strongly
different from one another.
Contrast is usually discussed in terms of sets of polar opposites:
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size: large and small
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shape: curve and straight edge
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space: positive and negative
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value: light and dark
Dorothea Lange White Angel
Bread Line 1932
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color: warm and cool
Chevreul's color wheel
Vincent Van Gogh Fritillaries 1800's
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rough vs. smooth
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solid vs. patterned
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simple vs. complex
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vertical vs. horizontal
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Contrast is important it allows the designer to:
direct attention to elements, areas, or ideas in the composition that are of
particular importance.
establish a hierarchy of meaning in the composition
Francisco de Goya The Third of May 1814
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Certain uses of contrast also have built-in connotations that derive from the
context in which they are used.
•
High contrast imagery in which areas compete with one another for
attention can have a jarring effect that implies conflict.
based on Danish psychologist Edgar Rubin's illustration
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The presence or absence of contrast strongly affects meaning in a composition.
Contrast can also be used to powerful effect as an agent of surprise when we
encounter the unexpected in familiar environments.
