Learning Activity 4: Using shapes and space to convey meaning.

Using no more than four black squares (either solid black or outlined), create an image to express the meaning of each of the following six words:

1. order
2. increase
3. bold
4. congested
5. tension
6. playful

 Simple enough, but to produce the final work with variety is surprisingly hard considering that you're limited to 3 basic alternative "squares" (or at least a clever combination of the three to create different effects)
1: Inverted colour (white) squares that can be used as a visual aid to create lack of space, and in other cases invent shapes.
2: Scaled (shrunk/stretched) squares can give multiple illusions including depth, size and weight. Without reference to other squares though, the effect is lost as a single large square can be viewed as lacking content, or picture frames for content, that is lacking.
3: Rotated (angled) squares gives a simple 2D shape somewhat of a more complex shape, human eyes are used to seeing right angles, and as such not noticeable as easily as bent, or angled shapes.

Some may argue that there should be a "4", which would be positioning, or in other words composition. 2 squares on top of each other in a 2D space would end up looking like a single square. 2 squares side by side in a 2D space already presents an obvious increase in content, that is the visible number of square like objects increases because the brain is able to pick out said extra content.

(Click the picture for the maximum A4 size)

My favourite within that picture would be the "tension" series, not only do they not look like they are made out of squares, artistically it's quite alien and unique. I might use this style for a later epic piece of game inspired art.