Space
Space. We all like space. We all need space. But what is space? Real space is measured in volume. We use three dimensions to measure this volume: length, height and width. Sometimes in art the word ‘depth’ is used for one of these dimensions. For example, you might measure the amount of space a room takes up by measuring its length (left to right), its height (up and down) and its depth (away from you). Space is an element of art that refers to the volume of area in an artwork or the parts of an artwork. Space can be between objects in an artwork or it can be the space an object in an artwork is perceived to fill. Space can be between, around, above, below, or within objects. In a three dimensional sculpture the space is real, but in a picture or a landscape the space is perceived, an illusion. The images in drawings and paintings and many other art works are flat or only two-dimensional (length and height). But many artists create the illusion of three-dimensional space (length, height and width – how deep the space is) in an artwork. Sculpture is different. Sculpture is not flat, so it really does take up space. Do you understand the difference? You might describe space as deep or shallow. |
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