Figure/Ground Relationships

Van Gogh, L’Arsienne

Figure: is the object depicted in an image. It is a POSITIVE SHAPE

The GROUND: is the space around an object. It is a NEGATIVE SHAPE

Giotto, Scenes from the Crucifixion

When the figure (object) and ground (space) are clear we are looking at a STABLE figure ground relationship

Ellsworth Kelly,Untitled Drawing

What is the figure and what is the ground in this image?

LisaReinermann

Figure/Ground Reversal: When first the positive, then the negative shapes command our attention, like what is happening with the identical black

and white shapes here

Neither one is dominant

In this pattern, an example of figure ground reversal neither the black nor the white is dominant. Figure ground reversal is common in repeating patterns.

Greek Pottery

Showing figure/ground stability (birds) and reversal (patterns)

Figure/Ground Ambiguity

In some cases, figure ground reversal leaves us uncertain whether elements of the composition serve as the figure or the ground. In this image, the black shapes seem to exist on the white ground, while in other places the white shapes also seem to exist on top of the black.

Wassily Kandinsky, Abenteur

Franz Kline,White Forms

Hans Hillmann, posters

David Smith, Cubi

David Smith, Cubi Study