By Amy Lees-Doherty
Welcome back to our 14-week series ‘Unlock the Secrets of Art: 14-Week Journey Through Elements & Principles of Visual Design’! This week, we focus on Shape, a fundamental element that plays a crucial role in the composition and meaning of visual art. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a passionate art lover, understanding shape is essential for creating compelling and engaging artwork.
What Is Shape in VIsual Art?
In art, a shape is defined as a two-dimensional area that stands out due to its defined or implied boundaries.
When drawing and painting with Shapes, they can interact with other elements like line, colour, and texture to create depth, structure, and a sense of place within a composition. For instance, overlapping shapes can create a sense of space, while varying sizes of shapes can suggest proximity and distance. Artists often employ techniques such as layering and juxtaposition to enhance the impact of shapes in their work.
It’s important to distinguish the difference between shape and form. While both elements define objects in space, shapes are two-dimensional (height and width), and forms are three-dimensional (height, width, and depth). This means shapes are flat and limited to a surface, and forms have volume and can be perceived from multiple angles.
Types and Functions of Shape
Shapes can be broadly categorised into two types: geometric and organic.
Geometric Shapes: These are precise, mathematical forms such as squares, circles, triangles, and rectangles. They convey order, stability, and structure. Geometric shapes are often found in architecture and design, where they create harmony and balance.
Organic Shapes: In contrast, organic shapes are irregular and fluid, resembling forms found in nature, such as leaves, clouds, and the human body. These shapes evoke a sense of movement and spontaneity, adding a dynamic quality.
Shapes also serve various functions in art. They can create focal points, guide the viewer’s eye, and contribute to the overall composition. By manipulating shapes, artists can establish a sense of rhythm and harmony, leading to a more cohesive visual experience.
Expressive Qualities of Shape
The type and arrangement of shapes can convey a range of emotions and themes:
Angular Shapes: Often associated with tension and energy, these shapes can create a sense of instability or agitation.
Curved Shapes: These shapes suggest softness, comfort, and fluidity, often evoking a sense of calm and peace.
Asymmetrical Shapes: Introducing imbalance, these shapes can create intrigue and a sense of movement, engaging viewers in an unexpected way.
The placement and scale of shapes within a composition also play a vital role in the overall mood and narrative of the artwork.
Exploring Shape Through Art: Shape Studies
To appreciate the power of shape, let’s explore the works of three artists who have harnessed this element in unique and innovative ways. We’ll look at the geometric precision of Piet Mondrian, the organic shapes of Kotaro Machiyama, and the vibrant installations of Yayoi Kusama. Each artist, through their distinctive styles, showcases the diverse potential of shape in conveying meaning and emotion.
Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow, 1929 by Piet Mondrian. Image via www.piet-mondrian.org.
“Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow” by Piet Mondrian
In “Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow,” Mondrian utilises geometric shapes to create a sense of balance and harmony. His use of rectangles and squares, combined with primary colours, creates a visually striking composition that feels both orderly and dynamic. The precise arrangement of shapes directs the viewer's eye across the canvas, demonstrating how geometric forms can evoke a powerful sense of stability and rhythm.
“Give a glimpse” by Kotaro Machiyama. Image via Rise Art.
“Give a glimpse” by Kotaro Machiyama
In "Give a glimpse," Kotaro Machiyama expertly utilizes organic shapes to create a dynamic and immersive experience. The flowing, curved forms intertwine, suggesting movement and inviting exploration. This intricate layering establishes focal points that guide the viewer’s eye, evoking feelings of wonder and intrigue. Machiyama's thoughtful arrangement of shapes transforms the space, demonstrating the powerful role that shape plays in conveying emotion and enhancing the overall impact of the artwork.
Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room-Phalli’s Field 1965 © Yayoi Kusama. Image via the Tate.
“Infinity Mirror Room - Phalli’s Field 1965” by Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama’s "Infinity Mirror Room - Phalli’s Field 1965" exemplifies the transformative power of shape in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. Through her use of repetitive, polka-dotted forms, Kusama creates a captivating environment that immerses viewers in an endless reflection of shapes. The interplay of organic and geometric elements invites exploration and challenges perceptions of space and boundaries. This dynamic arrangement evokes feelings of joy and wonder, while also engaging with deeper themes of infinity and self-identity.
Practical Exercise: Mastering Shape
Let’s delve into the world of shape with a few exercises designed to enhance your understanding and application of this fundamental element.
Shape Exploration: Create a series of drawings featuring both geometric and organic shapes. Use positive and negative space to create defined and implied shapes. Explore how to create implied shaped from the negative shape of defined shapes.
Shape Layering: Using cut-out shapes from coloured paper, layer them to create a dynamic collage. Focus on overlapping shapes to explore depth and interaction. Experiment with different sizes and arrangements to observe how they affect the overall composition.
Abstract Shape Study: Create an abstract painting or drawing that uses a variety of shapes to convey a particular mood or theme. Consider how the arrangement and type of shapes influence the emotional impact.
Why Shape Matters
Understanding and mastering shape is essential for any artist. Shapes are not merely outlines; they are integral components that shape the visual language of art. By exploring different types of shapes and their expressive qualities, you can enhance your creative toolkit and elevate your artwork.
Stay Tuned
Join us next week as we explore the element of Colour. Keep experimenting with shapes in your practice to refine your skills!
Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for practical exercises that complement each article. Follow along in real time as we explore each concept together.
Stay updated with my monthly newsletter for the latest articles, videos, and exhibitions. Let’s continue this artistic journey together and keep the inspiration flowing!
All the best,
Amy
Bibliography
Kusama, Y. (1965) Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room-Phalli’s Field 1965 © Yayoi Kusama., An Introduction to Yayoi Kusama. TATE. Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/yayoi-kusama-8094/introduction-yayoi-kusama (Accessed: 18 October 2024).
Machiyama, K. (2020) Give a glimpse, Rise Art. Rise Art. Available at: https://www.riseart.com/art/104600/give-a-glimpse-by-kotaro-machiyama (Accessed: 18 October 2024).
Mondrian, P. (no date) Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow, 1929 by Piet Mondrian, Piet Mondrian. www.Piet-Mondrian.org. Available at: https://www.piet-mondrian.org/composition-ii-in-red-blue-and-yellow.jsp (Accessed: 18 October 2024).