The Japanese term for negative space…a gap, pause, or open space…is “Ma.” The concept of negative space in art and design is essential to the composition. Ma is the principle of creating interruptions or absences…moments of awareness and quiet…a free zone where dissimilar things can reconcile. Empty space provides both support and a respite from the other elements of the design…a quiet place for the eye to rest and allow for differences to be reconciled.
Without negative spaces (or at least a perception of negative spaces), a design can feel chaotic and exhausting. Contrary to Western culture, more of a good thing is not better. When in doubt, opt for less. The more negative space there is, the more notable is the rest of the composition. An example of the use of Ma in design would be Danish furniture design…sleek and minimalist with a lot of open spaces contributing to the concept. Modern architecture also embraces this concept with clean lines and vast amounts of glass that provide a moment for exterior surroundings to play a prominent part of the interior experience. Frank Lloyd Wright was a master of using open spaces, along with compression and expansion, to emphasize the hand-crafted elements of his designs. Exterior “Zin” or Asian gardens perfectly express Ma in their spareness and total concept. A prime example of Ma in art would be a Sumi brush painting, such as the one at the top of this article. When there are fewer objects in a space, the pieces therein assume “pride of place.” Your eye is drawn to them simply because they are surrounded by open space. Ma is used in art installations/exhibits and even retail merchandising.
The existence of negative space in artwork has been interpreted as, ”emptiness full of possibilities, like a promise yet to be fulfilled.” In music it’s referred to as, “the silence between the notes.,” which completes the composition. Examples of this concept also appear in the Tao Te Ching:
Spokes meet the hub, though the space between them is the essence of the wheel.
Pots are formed from clay, though the space inside is the essence of the pot.
Walls with windows and doors form a house, though the space within is the essence of the house.
In Feng Shui, negative space also facilitates the gentle movement of qi. When a room is filled to the brim, with little to no negative spaces, the qi gets stuck…and stagnates. It is for this reason it’s beneficial to develop a regular practice of editing your living and work spaces of unnecessary items. Open corners of the room, curate items on counters, bookshelves, and other surfaces to include more open spaces and less stuff. Remove things that are no longer being used and donate or sell to someone who will use them. Even things stored out of sight create stagnant energy. All those drawers, closets, and cupboards stuffed full of things are “blocking” the qi flow. When you regularly “cleanse’ your space, you create ma to facilitate room for fresh energy to enter. The same can be said for exterior spaces, where gardens are overgrown, the qi cannot move. This practice of editing and clearing out old energy will invite more creativity, productivity, and greater joy.
