02.01 Contrast

This is drawn from the work of Swiss painter, designer, educator and writer, Johannes Itten who taught at the Bauhaus (1919-1922); particularly from his "preliminary course" covering the basics of material characteristics, composition, and color. Contrast formed the root of his theory of composition, and he sent his students out in search of juxtaposed contrasts to awaken their sensitivity.

Competency would be achieved when one could:

1. feel the contrast without having to visualise it (kinesthesia); then
2. articulate the feeling of the contrast (objectification); and lastly,
3. construct an image of the contrast.

Examples of Itten's visual contrasts:

• Point/line
• Area/line
• Plane/volume
• Area/body
• Large/small
• Line/body
• High/low
• Smooth/rough
• Long/short
• Hard/soft
• Broad/narrow
• Still/moving
• Thick/thin
• Light/heavy
• Light/shade
• Transparent/opaque
• Black/white
• Continuous/intermittent
• Much/little
• Liquid/solid
• Straight/curved
• Pointed/blunt
• Strong/weak
• Horizontal/vertical
• Diagonal/circular
• New/old