Visuals - Similarity

Artist Statement

“Similarity” is the second in a series of compositions to be developed for my thesis. The Gestalt principle of similarity states things that are similar are perceived to be more related than things that are dissimilar. The compositions are an exploration into grunge and retro; the idea is to use shapes, textures and colors to covey this principle of similarity; the object is to see how the viewer’s eye is pulled around the page. I am developing a series of compositions that will be used for the basis of my thesis on perception.

I discovered with the first series and confirmed by my peers that the color was impacting the compositions too much. So when I am done designing the compositions I am changing them to gray scale to eliminate that factor. I am including both color and gray scale compositions above.

Gestalt theory states that things which share visual characteristics such as shape, size, color, texture, or value will be seen as belonging together in the viewer’s mind. In the graphic below, the viewer is likely to discern a shape in the middle, though each individual object is the same color.

• Repetition of forms or colors in a composition is pleasing in much the same way rhythm is pleasing in music the forms aren't necessarily identical - there may be tremendous variety within the repetition, yet the correspondence will still be discernible.

• Like static and dynamic tension a deliberate use of similarity in composition can impart meaning to the viewer that is independent of the subject matter of the image.

• Similarity or repetition in an image often has connotations of harmony and interrelatedness, or rhythm and movement.

Works Cited:

AU. “Gestalt” Dictionary.com (2008) .