G E S T A L T = w h ole i s g r

eater tha n sum of Its p arts

G E S T A L T = w h ole i s g r

eater tha n sum of Its p arts

G E S T A L T = w h ole i s g reater tha n sum of Its p arts

G E ST A L T = w h ole i s g reater tha n sum of Its p arts

GESTALT =

whole is greater than sum of its parts

Intro:

GESTALT = whole > parts

1) Figure / Ground (positive space / negative space)

2) Similarity (rhythm, hierarchy)

3) Proximity (grouping)

4) Closure (mind the gap)

5) Continuity (implied direction)

FIGURE / GROUND

perceptual tendency to separate whole figures from their backgrounds

>The focus at any momentis the figure.

>Everything else is the ground.

(positive / negative)

M.C. Escher

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Similarity

shared visual characteristicssuch as shape, size, color, texture, or value will be seen as belonging together in the viewer’s mind

Bridget Riley

Proximity / Grouping

objects or shapes that are close to one another appear to form groups

- Tone / Value- Color- Shape- Size- etc.

Thomas P. Anshutz, The Ironworkers’ Noontime

Closure

suggesting a visual connection or continuity betweensets of elements which do not actually touch each other in a composition

Tauba Auerbach

Michelangelo, Creation of Adam, c. 1510. Sistine Chapel, Rome (detail)

Continuity

arrangement of various elements so that a characteristic continues

a direction from one element to another creates an implied continuation

Review:

GESTALT = whole > parts

1) Figure / Ground (positive space / negative space)

2) Similarity (rhythm, hierarchy)

3) Proximity (grouping)

4) Closure (mind the gap)

5) Continuity (implied direction)