NOTAN: Representation vs. Distortion

Brendan Powers

On Tuesday the class visited the gallery to see the current Abstract Mix exhibition. The remaining time in class was devoted to completing the next Notan project. Remember to achieve Notan, the positive and negative areas must 1. be able to exchange value, 2. negative areas must be sufficiently enclosed and 3. the positive and negative areas must be able to exchange roles (i.e. positive becomes negative; negative becomes positive).
Brendan has very skillfully met all three requirements. The sequence of the distortions is gradual and varied. In addition, his handling of the materials has created very fluid and viscous lines and shapes.

REPRESENTATION vs. DISTORTION: NOTAN

This two part project addresses the balance and reversability of the positive and negative areas. In the first part, students create a composition of rectangular compartments (no squares) using three colors in a 2, 2, 1 combination. In the second part, students choose a tool (ex. key) and modify and distort the tool so that the shape not only fits the space but achieves the primary requirement of Notan; positive and negative areas must be able to reverse roles (i.e. positive areas may be viewed as negative areas and negative areas may be viewed as positive).