BACKGROUND

Figure-ground relationships are what let humans recognize objects through vision – distinguishing the subject (figure) from everything around it (background).

geometric constructivist photograph of a concrete stairwell by Aleksandr Rodchenko

ambiguous figure-ground relationship | Aleksandr Rodchenko

a model covered in sheer, dark fabric billowing in the wind, standing alone in a very bright desert

obvious figure-ground relationship | Herb Ritts

Representational images often have an obvious figure-ground relationship – we see the difference between the subject and background clearly.

But figure-ground relationships can be made ambiguous – making it harder to tell the difference between figure and ground – through the lighting and framing of the image.

 

BRIEF

Take *60* abstract, black-and-white photographs. Some may share subjects, but aim for a unique visual composition in each. Choose six favorites, three with obvious figure-ground relationships, and three with ambiguous figure-ground relationships.  Compose an OpenLab post with a gallery presenting all six images, and write one-two sentences for each explaining why that image’s figure-ground relationship is obvious or ambiguous.

 

BREAKDOWN

I want you to take all new photos for this assignment, and I’m asking for 60 specifically because it’s a big number and kind of a pain; you will have to take some experimental and creative photos just to fill the order. In addition to the interval between classes, you will have time in class to explore downtown Brooklyn and take photos, ideally using a black-and-white or grayscale filter with your camera app. Keep an eye out for:

  • mechanical or geometric repetition
  • strong contrast between light and dark
  • transparent and reflective surfaces

Take LOTS of pictures. If you find a subject you like, try a few angles. If you’re not sure if something will work, take a picture and find out. The more photos you have, the better your options will be for the next steps – and you can always delete them later.

At the end of this process, choose your top six images:

  • three should show an obvious figure/ground relationship (note that this does not mean the actual subject has to be obvious, just its relationship to the space it occupies in the image)
  • the other three should show an ambiguous figure/ground relationship

Post to OpenLab:

  • Upload the six images of the objects you discovered on your walk. Group and label them according to “obvious” or “ambiguous”.
  • Write one-two sentences per image, explaining why you consider that image’s figure/ground relationship to be obvious or ambiguous. You can write this as a paragraph in the post, or as a caption under each image.

 

DUE DATE: SEP. 6

 

This project is originally designed by Jenna Spevack. This version was revised by Paula Rennis, then further adapted by Jake Wright.