Space, one of the seven elements of art, refers to the areas around, between, or within parts of a piece.

It can be positive or negative, shallow or deep, and two- or three-dimensional. Even when not directly shown, space is often implied.

The American architect , Frank Lloyd Wright called space "the breath of art," highlighting its importance. Painters depict space, photographers capture it, sculptors use it, and architects create it. Space is a fundamental element in each of the visual arts.

Space helps viewers understand an artwork. For example, drawing one object larger than another can suggest it is closer, while environmental art can guide viewers through space.

Negative and Positive Space
Positive space refers to the main subject of an artwork, like a flower vase or a sculpture. Negative space is the empty area around, between, or within the subject.

While positive is often seen as light and negative as dark, this isn't always true. For instance, a black cup on a white canvas is positive space because it's the subject, even though it's dark.

In three-dimensional art, negative space refers to the empty areas within or around the artwork, such as the holes in Henry Moore's sculptures like Recumbent Figure (1938) or Helmet Head and Shoulders (1952).

In two-dimensional art, negative space plays a significant role in creating balance and serenity. For instance, Chinese landscape paintings often use white space to imply continuation, as seen in Dai Jin's Landscape in the Style of Yan Wengui or George DeWolfe's Bamboo and Snow (1995).

In abstract art, negative space can direct focus, suggest movement, or balance the composition. Piet Mondrian skillfully used space in works like Composition C (1935), where shapes and spaces define the artwork's structure and mood.

Space and Perspective

Perspective in art uses space to create the illusion of three dimensions. In linear perspective, lines lead to a vanishing point, adding depth.

For example, a tree in the foreground may appear larger than distant mountains, even though we know this isn’t true. Similarly, lowering the horizon line increases the sky's negative space, enhancing depth and inviting viewers into the scene.

Thomas Hart Benton. Homestead. 1934

The Physical Space of an Installation

Artists often consider the space where their work will be displayed as part of its overall impact.

For artists working with flat mediums, like paintings or prints, the display space, such as a wall in a home or office, influences how the piece is seen. They may design a series to be displayed in a specific order.

Sculptors, especially those working on a large scale, carefully consider the installation environment. Factors like nearby trees, sunlight, and room size affect their creative process. Public art installations like Alexander Calder's Flamingo in Chicago and the Louvre Pyramid in Paris are examples of how the setting can shape both positive and negative space in the artwork.

The Uses of Space

Many new artists overlook the importance of creating space in a drawing or painting.  The result usually looks flat or objects can appear to be floating.  Luckily, however, creating space in an artwork is very simple to accomplish and there are a number of ways to it.

There are six ways an artist can create the illusion of space on a 2-Dimensional surface.

Overlapping - occurs when objects that are closer to the viewer prevent the view of objects that are behind them.

Placement on the paper - Objects placed higher within the picture plane will appear further away.

Size - Objects that are smaller will appear further away from the viewer.

Detail - Objects that are further away should have less detail than objects that are closer to the viewer.