Final answer:
Objects in a composition occupy positive space, which consists of the main subjects of the artwork, while negative space is the area that surrounds and defines these objects. Understanding this concept is key to the balance and harmony of a composition in visual art.
Step-by-step explanation:
Objects in a composition occupy positive space. The concept of positive space refers to the area taken up by the main subjects of the artwork, essentially areas that are filled with something, such as figures, structures, or objects in a composition. Meanwhile, negative space refers to the area that surrounds and is between the main subjects. It is also crucial because it gives shape and defines the boundaries of the positive space. In a painting or sculpture, artists carefully balance positive and negative space to achieve a harmonious overall composition. For example, the dramatic lighting in 'Las Meninas' by Velázquez makes the figures prominent positive shapes against the darker background.
Identifying positive and negative shapes can be challenging in complex compositions, where an implied shape can be created by the colors and shapes that surround it. The intuition of the artist and how they want to guide the viewer's attention plays a significant role in determining what is perceived as positive or negative space. In sum, the interplay between positive and negative space is a fundamental aspect of artistic composition and visual rhetoric.