Assignment 2: Figure/Ground Relationship Studies

Description

Using basic shapes (square, circle, rectangle) create three sets of studies showing the three figure/ground relationships (stable, reversible, ambiguous). You will end up with nine (9) compositions total:

Square- Stable
Square- Reversible
Square- Ambiguous

Circle- Stable
Circle- Reversible
Circle- Ambiguous

Rectangle/Thick Line- Stable
Rectangle/Thick Line- Reversible
Rectangle/Thick Line- Ambiguous

Materials

Nine 5" x 5" bristol board squares (preferably not smooth texture)
Black Cason Paper (for cutting out your shapes)
X-axto knife and blades
Cutting Mat
Metal Ruler
Rubber Cement

Process

1. Start by laying out multiple compositions using only the selected element (square, circle, rectangle). Do this enough times (at least 10 attempts for each composition) to come up with a good composition. You may overlap the shapes, and may use both black and white shapes of any size. The shapes just need to be the same, ie. only squares, only circles, only rectangles. 

The goal for your compositions it that they illustrate the figure/ground relationship, and that they have implied movement and visual interest. Please pay attention to details. 

2. Pick the best examples from each series (ex. square- stable) and apply that design to the 9 inch x 9 inch bristol board. Use the Canson paper to cut out your final complex shapes (the result of overlapping the simple shapes from step 1). 

3. Rubber cement (gluing both surfaces) all black paper to the white bristol board. Again, pay attention to craftsmanship. These should look like they were printed out. Super clean. 

4. Bring your final nine (9) compositions to class for critique. In addition, please post all 9 to your blog under "Assignment 4: Figure Ground Studies"

Schedule/ Due Dates

Monday, Jan. 23rd- 
DUE One Set of F/G studies using squares (Stable, Reversible, Ambiguous)
Quick Peer Critique will begin at 10:45am. 
In-Class work time on other two sets of compositions. 

Wed, Jan 25th- 
Due Two sets of F/G Studies- Rectangular and Circular compositions (Stable, Rev, Amb)
Critique will begin at 10:45am. You will have 15 mins to pin your work up on the walls. Please pin them straight and evenly spaced.