Gestalt Principles Composition – Moths

Before commencing this project, we learned about the Gestalt principles which are proximity, similarity, symmetry, closure, continuity, and figure and ground. After learning these principles, our task was to use selected parts of skeleton photos we had been given as references to create a composition that reflects some of these principles. 

Process and Ideation

For this work, the Gestalt principles I chose to base my composition on were proximity and symmetry. The principle of proximity states that we tend to perceive elements as a group when they are close to each other, whereas the principle of symmetry states that the mind perceives objects as being symmetrical and forming around a centre point. To reflect these principles in my work, I decided to create a composition of moths using different bones from the skeleton references shown below. I chose moths as the central subject matter of my piece, as the symbolism of bones – i.e. the foreboding and tension that they create in images – was a subtle device to use to convey my fear of these creatures. 

Consequently, the first step in the process of completing this project was to select moth references I wanted to use to create my compositions, and then extract the bones I wanted to use from the above references. I used the selection tool in Adobe Photoshop as we had been taught in class to accomplish this as shown below.

After this, I applied a number of transformations to these bones to imitate the shape and patterns of the moth reference images I had chosen. Below are images of the process of doing this.

 

Finally, the only thing left to do was to hide the reference image and choose an appropriate background for the compositions. I chose not to modify the colour of the bones and leave the images with a simple black background as I wanted to reflect the authentic texture of the bones to ensure that the symbolism was as apparent to the audience as possible, and moreover to focus their attention on the fact that the bones are arranged to represent moths.

Final Work

Below is an image of my final work.

Challenges and Surprises

A challenge I faced in working on these compositions was in contemplating how to achieve the symmetry that is quite a striking feature of moths and butterflies. To solve this, I decided to work on one wing first, and then transform the entire wing to reflect it onto the other side. Following this, I would work on the body of the moth, and fill in any empty spaces. This ensures that there is an overall sense of symmetry while still allowing some leeway for adjustments based on the amount of space available between the bones. Additionally, the process of cutting out bones from the reference images and moving them from one document to the next was also quite tedious, and I found the move tool in Photoshop to be quite stubborn, hence my aim is to work a little more with the software to identify how I can simplify this further.

A surprise I encountered was in how unique the texture of bones appeared in the final composition. I thought human bones might look a little unusual being placed in such a different context, and I was prepared to make colour adjustments, however I found the texture to be so appealing I decided to just leave them as it is. Also, the process of taking elements from one context and using them to create a composition in another is actually very interesting, and while it is quite common I think the symbolic implications of it really hold a lot of potential to be explored further in the future!

Reflection

Overall, this project taught me a lot in terms of both the theory behind design composition through learning about the Gestalt Principles, as well how to apply them effectively when constructing a final work. I believe this knowledge will not only help me refine my skills in working with digital software, but also in creating physical works. I think in terms of the two iterations I created, a lot more can be done to make them more complex and interesting and possibly more reflective of my initial thoughts in working on his piece, especially as I did not modify any of the fundamental elements that made up the compositions, rather I just reproduced them in a different way. While I am satisfied with how they turned out I think in the future I might like to take these works and experiment a little more with their colour and layout.

Connection to Creative Practice

I think this work is actually quite different from anything I have ever attempted before in terms of its visual quality as well as to a large extent technique. However in terms of process, this work constitutes a collage (albeit a digital one) and I tend to occasionally employ elements of physical collage or assembly in my work (e.g. my Bridge Project 1 task, from Integrative Studio + Seminar 1).

Work from:

Drawing + Imaging with Professor Josephine Vargas