LESSON PRESENTATION INSTRUCTIONS
SPACE
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE DIPTYCH
Lesson Objectives: Students will create an original visual image using colored construction paper that will demonstrate that both positive and negative space within a work of art have their own unique shapes.
Time Required: 1 hour
Artist: Rene Magritte, The Surprise Answer
Materials:
9”x12” sheets of construction paper, contrasting colors
Scissors
Glue
Presentation:
Discuss and define space, shape and symmetry. Show positive and negative space in the print.
Procedure:
- Distribute sets of contrasting colors to students: one color in 9”x12” and the contrasting color cut to 9”x6”.
- Using the half sheet, students draw and carefully cut out half of a picture or design along the 9” length.
- The full sheet can be folded in half along the 9” length to determine the center of the sheet. The parts cut from the half sheet are arranged along the fold forming half the design. The remaining parts are placed on the opposite side of the full sheet in locations opposite those from which they were cut. Glue the parts down.
- The final project will have a positive image on one side of the full sheet and a negative image on the other.
Options:
An optional approach would be to “hinge” everything down the center using transparent tape. This will produce an image that is at first simply two contrasting vertical rectangles. When the design is “opened” the positive-negative images appear.
