Visual Element - Space Answers

Answers may vary, but should include at least 3 examples: This piece is by Vincent van Gogh, called Starry Night. Van Gogh used created a horizon using horizontal lines; the cypress tree and mountains are vertical and almost seem to reach for the sky; the stars are interacting as one with the entire seen below, becoming a part of nature and the environment; both cypress trees are in the foreground so that our view point shifts and their symbolic expression is that of a different nature than the other objects seen in the painting; the house are smaller purposely, so that they are not viewed as important compared to the nature elements; the only building that is accentuated is the church, which symbolizes a spiritual connection with nature.

In the mirrored ball, the objects are varying sizes, which allows certain objects or subjects (ex: man) to appear closer and others farther away (window), creating depth and form. The artist also made some objects curved (ex: bookshelf and ceiling) and receding, in order to show the curvilinear lines of sphere of the mirror. The hand holding the ball, with its two fingers in the forefront, and its others behind, add to the 3-dimensional appearance.

Symbolic expression is the act of representing an idea or message through the use of symbols. Visual elements are vital to symbolic expression because they allow an artist to create symbolism and incorporate creativity, which would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Shade refers to when an artist darkens a color by adding black. Shading is the act of showing a change from light to dark in an object by darkening areas that would have a shadow. Shadow is the area of dark created when an object blocks light.

This painting is by Géricault called, The Raft of the Medusa. The artist has effectively used space by first creating a triangular shape with the raft and bodies of the men acting as the base. Everything in the painting then leads up to the man waving the flag (center, top-right). We also see shade and shadow among the people and the sails, which gives it depth and also helps to again direct our eyes. There is also an element of sfumato used by the artist in the sea and the ocean, in order to emphasize the raft in the forefront, and to create a sense of mystery and fear.