Notan
As a guiding principle of
Eastern art and design, Notan (a Japanese word
meaning dark-light) focuses on the interaction between positive and negative
space. In composition, it recognizes the separate but equally important identity
of both a shape and its background.*
Seventh and Eighth grade
students created Notan designs using an exercise
known as the Expansion of the Square. The goal was to create a
composition
where both positive and negative spaces are made interesting. Balance was
also emphasized by using either asymmetrical or symmetrical methods.
Medium: Cut paper.
*Taken
from the book Notan: The dark-light principle of
design.

Rachel T.
Manny F.
Katelyn S.
Ross B.

Natash F.R.
A.J. D.