Final answer:
A flat shape defined by the surrounding space is called an implied shape. Positive shapes are distinguished elements within an artwork, while negative spaces are the empty areas around these elements. Shapes in art encompass both geometric and organic types that shape the composition of the work.
Step-by-step explanation:
A flat shape that is defined by the surrounding empty space is known as an implied shape. In the realm of art and design, these shapes are not explicitly drawn but are created through the arrangement and the negative space of other elements within a composition. For example, in a painting, the background or space around the subject can form an implied shape that we perceive as part of the overall artwork.
When discussing the subject of positive and negative space, the positive shape is the one that stands out and is usually the subject of the artwork, like the figures in Las Meninas, which are highlighted against the background. Negative space, on the other hand, refers to the areas around and between the subject of an image. It's important to note that in three-dimensional works, like sculptures, negative spaces are the empty areas around or within the work.
The concept of shape in art also includes geometric and organic shapes. Geometric shapes have a known, defined form, such as circles, squares, and triangles, while organic shapes are free-form, less defined, and often mimic shapes found in nature. These different types of shapes contribute to the overall composition of the artwork and help define the space within it.