GESTALT = whole > parts Figure / Ground (positive space / negative space) Similarity (rhythm, hierarchy) Proximity (grouping) Closure (mind the gap) Continuity (implied direction)

2. G E S T
A L T =
w h ole i
s g r
eater tha n
sum of I
ts p arts

3. G E S T A L
T =
w h ole i s g r
eater tha n sum of Its p
arts

4. G E S T A L
T =
w h ole i s g reater tha n
sum of Its p arts

5. G E ST A L T =
w h ole i s g reater tha n sum
of Its p arts

6. GESTALT =
whole is greater than sum of its parts

7. Intro:
GESTALT = whole > parts
1) Figure / Ground (positive space / negative space)
2) Similarity (rhythm, hierarchy)
3) Proximity (grouping)
4) Closure (mind the gap)
5) Continuity (implied direction)

8. FIGURE / GROUND
perceptual tendency to
separate whole figures
from their backgrounds
>The focus at any moment
is the figure.
>Everything else is the ground.
(positive / negative)

9. M.C. Escher

10. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

11. Similarity
shared visual characteristics
such as shape, size, color,
texture, or value will be
seen as belonging
together in the viewer’s
mind

13. Bridget Riley

14. Proximity / Grouping
objects or shapes
that are close to
one another appear
to form groups
- Tone / Value
- Color
- Shape
- Size
- etc.

15. Thomas P. Anshutz, The Ironworkers’ Noontime

17. Closure
suggesting a visual
connection or
continuity between
sets of elements
which do not actually
touch each other in
a composition

18. Tauba Auerbach

19. Michelangelo, Creation of Adam, c. 1510. Sistine Chapel, Rome (detail)

20. Continuity
arrangement of various
elements so that a
characteristic continues
a direction from one
element to another
creates an implied
continuation

23. Review:
GESTALT = whole > parts
1) Figure / Ground (positive space / negative space)
2) Similarity (rhythm, hierarchy)
3) Proximity (grouping)
4) Closure (mind the gap)
5) Continuity (implied direction)