Final answer:
In art, the emphasized shape that stands out due to its contrast with the background is known as the positive shape. These can be geometric or organic and are used by artists to create emphasis and draw the viewer's attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
A shape that is emphasized due to its complementary shape is often referred to as the positive shape. In art, positive shapes are the areas of an artwork that most attract the viewer's attention due to their distinct boundaries, color, or contrast against the background. These can be defined by lines, color changes, or by the spaces created around them, which are known as negative shapes. For instance, in the famous painting Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez, the figures are illuminated, making them positive shapes against the dark backdrop. In contrast, a dark figure in a doorway can also be considered as a positive shape if it is surrounded by a lighter background, thus becoming a focal point.
Shapes in art can also be categorized as geometric, like the rectangles and squares used by Piet Mondrian, or organic, which are more freeform and natural. Together with other principles of design such as color, unity, and balance, artists create emphasis in their work. By strategically placing bright or contrasting elements against a dull or complementary background, they can make a certain shape stand out, thereby drawing the viewer's eye to the intended area of interest.