Art can transmit what the artists try to convey ― communicate emotions, provoke reactions, or deliver messages. But these are quite limited observations of what art can move in a person. Through “expressionism,” we received some of the best depictions of emotional experiences in Edvard Munch’s art, for example.
Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans” motivated societies to dwell on mass production and the repetition of culture, while the aestheticization of politics through art was approached by many artists who wanted to send important messages.
Art has changed in the past decades due to technology, but past artworks inspired today’s artists to create creative forms of art, such as juxtaposition. This style usually implies using two different elements in painting or photography to highlight each other’s features and set a mood.
Let’s see what it is about.
How Juxtaposition Creates Visual Interest
Usually, juxtaposition is based on elements like light and darkness or good and evil to blend in and create a contrast of visual interest. For example, Mikayla Lapierre approached it in her Side Dimes collections, working with 17th—and 18th-century paintings of women wearing 3D glasses or driving a space car.
She was one of the artists who impressed through her creativity and inspired many others to put their art prints for sale, where someone would definitely be interested in a nice twist of color and styles. Juxtaposition is an art form that never dies ― as it successfully combines the past with the present.
Photographic Juxtaposition
While juxtaposition in paintings or art prints is unique, finding the right elements to photograph is truly a challenge, which is what makes it so special. A composition that blends two different textures is tricky to find, but its impact is considerable on the viewer.
For example, consider a photograph where a modern and traditional building overlaps beautifully.
Other great examples of juxtaposition in photography include the following:
- Animate vs inanimate;
- Objects of different sizes;
- Black and white contrast;
Humanities Juxtaposition
Interestingly enough, juxtaposition is possible in literature and poetry, and it is easier for the regular reader to identify. We’ve got Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities,” in which he conveys social disparities during the French Revolution in the first sentence of the book.
Even in poetry, juxtaposition impacts the reader. “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Dark Night” by Dylan Thomas wonderfully traces the lines between light and dark, or life and death, without being indifferent to their importance but rather showing tenderness. Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” is another great example of poetry juxtaposition.
Movie Juxtaposition
Contrasts and comparisons are greatly appreciated in movies, where the right momentum is what makes them special. Directors might use them to showcase conflict between characters, so they use the subject, the foreground, or the background to fill in the gaps that dialogue misses. This effect can give insight into the character dynamics or plot points.
For example, in “Drive,” a film by Newton Thomas Sigel, we’ve got a scene with Irene and the Driver in juxtaposition that allows the viewer to understand how her family impedes her from forming relationships. In “The Godfather,” Francis Ford Coppola uses juxtaposition in editing to seize the plot changing as Michael becomes the new Godfather.
The Effectiveness Of Juxtaposition
The juxtaposition works every time because it places the viewer under an argument whose meaning and emotional response depend on them. Choosing between good and evil is a matter of seconds in art, but there’s no black-and-white here.
In some cases, juxtaposition highlights a similarity between objects or people, but no one could pinpoint it before this comparison was made. Our perceptions of what is right or wrong can change according to what we see, which is why artists in this field are some of the most creative.
How Can You Approach Juxtaposition?
If this artistic style interests you but seems difficult to master, there are several guidelines you could follow for the first trial-and-error creations:
- Think of a concept you want to work on. Contrasting ideas are everywhere around you. You just need to find the one piquing your interest;
- Work on placement. Analyze where each element should be positioned to convey a stronger feeling, such as side by side or by overlapping them;
- Consider interpretation. Place the elements according to social or environmental factors to ensure interpretation is well-received;
Don’t worry if the piece is not artistic enough. You’ll have to iterate and refine but also trust your instincts. Sometimes, pushing boundaries is acceptable to create impactful creations. However, being mindful of the world’s current events is important.
What About Random Juxtaposition?
Random juxtaposition is possible, but it might require a bit more creativity than regular juxtaposition. Sometimes, artists have a special momentum in which their experiments turn out to be true artworks, but these are rare occasions.
However, don’t ignore it when it happens because it might become great artwork, even when it lacks a specific message or idea behind it. When it sometimes seems vague and lacks meaning, you might just need to let it go and let people stare in awe at it.
As you play with random pieces of art, whether visual or audio, you’ll see how elements piece together automatically. Things can be aesthetically pleasing without serving a purpose, and this is the beauty of art. Considering we’re in a modern age where visuals are the most important, creating them only for other’s satisfaction and appreciation is enough as an artist discovering their own talents.
What Do You Think About Juxtaposition As An Artistic Form?
Juxtaposition is the technique of combining two or more elements that come in antithesis. Good or bad concepts or black-and-white shades are prominent ideas for juxtaposition artworks, and we’re seeing more as young artists combine modernism with traditionalism. Juxtaposition can be used solely for entertainment, but it peaks when artists, writers, or creators deliver strong messages with intention. You can approach it by seeking two contrasting elements in nature, for example.
