The space paradox in graphic representation

Lange-Kuettner, Christiane and Vinueza Chavez, Ximena (2022) The space paradox in graphic representation. Frontiers in Psychology, 13 (968918). pp. 1-14. ISSN 1664-1078

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Abstract / Description

The negative space drawing technique refers to drawing the transparent space around and between objects, rather than drawing the objects themselves. This space-based instruction is thought to attenuate object-specific visual attention and to enhance perception of a spatial expanse. Developmentally, it is equivalent to the Piagetian dichotomic space concept of filled and empty space. A sample of 96 children from 5 to 12 years of age and 24 adults (N = 120) drew on a computer tablet a real-life model spacebox placed in front of the participant, with three cubes placed inside the model. Children followed two instructions, a Visual Realism (VR) Instruction “Please draw the three cubes and the box as you can see them” and a Negative Space (NSp) Instruction “Please draw the space around the objects,” with the sequence counterbalanced. NSp outline drawings began to show from 9 years onwards. A positive effect of the NSp technique showed for occlusion drawing because of the depiction of common contour of objects which could create a cohesive scene feature such as a horizon. The VR instruction focused attention toward the space box and enhanced 3D drawing of both the spacebox and the cubes. Thus, it could be concluded—rather paradoxically—that drawing in 3D is better based on object- than on space-based attention, while drawing occlusion is better based on space-based than object-based attention. We suggest, however, that a better definition of VR as attention to object appearances is that VR unifies objects and spatial context into one global plane.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	** From Frontiers via Jisc Publications Router
Uncontrolled Keywords:	psychology; visual realism; object-based attention; space-based attention; drawing development; negative space technique; visual attention; spatial concepts; 3D rendering
Subjects:	100 Philosophy & psychology > 150 Psychology
Department:	School of Social Sciences and Professions
SWORD Depositor:	Pub Router
Depositing User:	Pub Router
Date Deposited:	19 Oct 2022 11:48
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2022 11:48
URI:	https://repository.londonmet.ac.uk/id/eprint/7966

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