Japanese Aesthetic Principle Notan Japanese Aesthetic Principle meaning Light and Dark

Find beauty not only in the thing itself but in the pattern of the shadows, the light and dark which that thing provides. Junichiro Tanizaki

The artistic principle of Notan involves a balance between lights and darks in an artwork. Example by 8th grade student

We put thirty spokes together and call it a wheel; But it is on the space where there is nothing that the utility of the wheel depends. We turn clay to make a vessel, But it is on the space where there is nothing that the utility of the vessel depends. We pierce doors and windows to make a house; And it is on these spaces where there is nothing that The utility of the house depends. Therefore, just as we take advantage of what is, we should Recognize the utility of what is not.   This poem, attributed to Lao Tse, was written about 2,000 years ago. It addresses the basis of all design, Notan.

ARTS VOCABULARY Elements of Design: Principles of Art: SHAPE, FORM, SPACE VALUE - LIGHT AND DARK Principles of Art: BALANCE Block print by SSterrenberg

Squint your eyes. Focus on the space.

In calligraphy, the white space is just as important as the kanji character.

 A strong Notan design helps artwork succeed. The concept of Notan applies to many areas of art, including painting, drawing, graphic design, sculpture, architecture and photography. It also applies to other arts disciplines like dance and theater.

Kazuaki Tanahashi, Heiki, 1965.

Edward Weston, Pepper, 1930

Georgia O’Keeffe, Morning Glory, 1926

Jim Yellowhawk, Sacred Hoop, 1992

Creative Expression Task: Create design with balance between shapes and space, between light and dark Materials: Light and dark paper squares Scissors Glue Technique: Cut and paste 8th grade student work

Criteria for Assessment Craftsmanship Cutting: Clean, sharp edges Pasting: Neatness, accuracy Design COMPOSITION Details, complexity Placement Originality

Scoring Rubric for Finished Artwork Craftsmanship Cutting Pasting Design Composition Balance Creativity 7th grade student work

Examples of Student Work