International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 11, Number 2 (2016) pp 756-761
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com
A Study on Analysis of Kinetic Art In Terms of Gestalt Psychology :
Base On Basic Elements
Charyung Kim
PG Scholar, Graduate School of Advanced Imaging Science,
Multimedia & Film, Chung-Ang University, Korea.
E-mail: [email protected]
Changyong Jung
PH.D., Graduate School of Advanced Imaging Science,
Multimedia & Film, Chung-Ang University, Korea.
E-mail: [email protected]
Hyunggi Kim
Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Advanced Imaging Science,
Multimedia & Film, Chung-Ang University, Korea.
E-mail: [email protected]
analyzing kinetic art in terms of Gestalt psychology. In
chapter 2 of this paper, concept of kinetic art and Gestalt
psychology and elements of Gestalt psychology are studied. In
chapter 3, three examples of kinetic art that used rotational
motion which is basic element of power and dot, line and side
which is basic element of figure are selected and framework
of analysis in terms of Gestalt psychology is presented. In
chapter 4, examples are analyzed in terms of six items of
continuity, closure, simplicity, similarity, contiguity and
separation which are principles of Gestalt psychology. A way
that kinetic art which has a limit of movement can create
artistic visual effect is drawn.
Abstract
Kinetic art is losing its influence by a limit of physical
movement. Gestalt psychology which is applied a lot in the
field of design is used as effective means that can deliver
suggestive meaning with small amount of material. This study
analyzes with six principles of continuity, contiguity,
similarity, simplicity, closure, separation out of principles of
Gestalt psychology. Works that used basic elements such as
movement, color and figure only were selected. This study
draws a reason which can create artistic and colorful visual
effect overcoming a limit through analysis. This study is to
present a possibility of visual expression by analysis of
Gestalt psychology.
Theoretical background of kinetic art and
Gestalt psychology
Keywords: Kinetic art, Gestalt psychology
A. Kinetic Art
Kinetic art is a combination of the words ‘kinesis’ which is
Greek language meaning movement and ‘Art’. Kinetic art is
‘Art pursuing movement’ [3]. Attempts to introduce
movement into art were made before kinetic art appeared.
Marcel Duchamp's <Nude Descending a staircase No.2>
(1912) and Giacomo Balla's <Dynamism of a Dog on a
Leash>(1912) are examples of such attempts. The attempts
did not break away from plane because movement was
expressed as pictorial record according to time. Expression of
movement did not break away from plane until industrial
revolution of 1920s. Movement of machines was expressed in
new art style under the influence of mechanization after
industrial revolution. Kinetic art emerged in earnest after
1950s. Actual movement using machines through kinetic art
was expressed and kinetic art expanded into art of the fourth
dimension that time is added to space of the third dimension
[4].
There are two theories in defining kinetic art. First theory
defines only works that accompany actual movement as
kinetic art. Second theory includes works that move by optical
illusion even though there is no actual movement in kinetic
art. This paper will define works that accompany actual
movement as kinetic art.
Introduction
Kinetic art appeared in 1920 and has lost its influence since
1960s. The reason that kinetic art has lost its influence is that
new media such as video appeared which made it unnecessary
to use physical movement any more [1]. Expression of
movement that uses video is performed in virtual space. Video
makes it possible to express movement more freely. Unlike
video, as kinetic art requires physical movement, expression
of movement by kinetic art is limited. Despite such limit,
kinetic art still expresses artistic visual effect. This study
analyzes how kinetic art overcomes a limit through Gestalt
psychology.
Gestalt psychology has been applied to design frequently
because design has to deliver a large amount of information to
users implicatively [2]. Design which expresses much
information with a few symbols only overcomes a limit by
using human cognitive ability. On the other hand, kinetic art
which has a similar limit to design does not overcome a limit.
This study is to present a possibility of visual expression by
kinetic art by considering relations between Gestalt
psychology and kinetic art.
The purpose of this paper is to study how kinetic art which
has only basic elements can create various visual effects by
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International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 11, Number 2 (2016) pp 756-761
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com
Figure 3: Continuity1
Figure 1: Marcel Duchamp's <Nude Descending
a staircase No.2>
Figure 4: Continuity 2
Figure 5: Part of Wassily Kandinsky’s <Thirty>
Figure 2: Giacomo Balla's <Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash>
ii. Contiguity and Similarity
Men tend to see similar elements as one group. Gestalt
psychologists call grouping of contiguous elements as
principle of contiguity and grouping of similar elements as
principle of similarity [7]. Shapes which have been grouped
by contiguity and similarity are organized into a pattern so
that information can be processed most efficiently by finding
pattern in complex shapes [8]. [Figure 6] shows pattern by
contiguity and similarity. Principle of contiguity means that
enumeration of dots and lines is perceived as a set of
contiguous elements. Principle of similarity means that a set
of elements with the same colors becomes more apparent.
Enumeration of dots and lines is patterned as circle
respectively by contiguity and similarity.
B. Gestalt psycology
Gestalt psychologists propose that the most fundamental
which men perceive is ‘shape’ [5]. Such proposal of Gestalt
psychologists is contrary to position of structuralism
psychology which gives priority to environment. Gestalt
psychologists argue that men recognize the whole not part
advocating proposition that ‘The whole is not a simple sum of
parts’ [6]. Gestalt psychologists studied how human brain
organizes visual elements in order to understand human
perception and how a simple set of parts is organized into the
meaningful whole. Gestalt psychologists created lots of
principles. This paper will use only six principles of
continuity, closure, simplicity, similarity, contiguity and
separation of background and front view for analysis.
i. Contiuity
Continuity means that human attention move toward an object
which goes in one direction [5]. Human attention follows a
flow of curve and straight line in a shape shown in [Figure 3].
Human attention follows from left to right of a curve and from
left to right of a straight line and it is rare for human attention
to follow a straight line from intermediate location of curve as
shown in [Figure 4]. Therefore, [Figure 3] is perceived as a
complete curve and a straight line that penetrates the curve.
[Figure 5] is a part of Wassily Kandinsky’s <Thirty>. Thirty
is composed of curves of various shapes but it is perceived as
a curve that rotates and covers vertical segment of a line
because human attention comes down following vertical curve
located at the center by continuity and then descends
following a curve that comes down while covering its
surroundings.
Figure 6: Contiguity and similarity
iii.
Simplicity and Closure
Simplicity means that men perceive one pattern as the
simplest shape. Closure means that men perceive shape as the
one closed whole shape even though there is a disconnected
part in one shape. As simplicity and closure have in common
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International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 11, Number 2 (2016) pp 756-761
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com
in that perception of shape occurs combined with past
experience, they are frequently applied together [5]. [Figure 7]
shows an example that simplicity and closure are applied
together. While perceiving a shape which consists of three
disconnected sides, the shape is perceived as a complete cube
with disconnected space disappeared. Principle of simplicity
means that men perceive a shape as cube which is accustomed
to attention most not a set of disconnected sides. Principle of
closure means that men perceive a shape as a complete cube
with disconnected space disappeared.
Figure 9: WWF Logo
Conditions of selecting examples and suggestion of
framework of analysis in terms of Gestalt psychology
A. Conditions of Selecting Example
Conditions of selecting examples in this study were motion,
color and figure. Three kinetic art works that used rotational
motion which is basic element of motion and brightness which
is basic element of color and dot, line and side which is basic
element of figure were selected as examples. The reason that
the three examples were selected was to maximize a limit of
kinetic art by using basic elements because this study aims to
find out a possibility of overcoming a limit that kinetic art has.
Figure 7: Simplicity and closure
iv.
Separation
Separation means that shape is perceived by a difference
between background and front view. Separation serves as
criteria that outline separates background and front view and
outline is created by a segment of a line [9]. An object makes
a relatively strong impression is classified as front view while
an object which does not make a relatively strong impression
is classified as background [10]. In upper part of [Figure 8],
white acts as background and figure of black bird acts as front
view but separation of background and front view becomes
blurred and finally background and figure of black reverse as
shown in the lower part of the figure. [Figure 9] is perceived
as panda and actually face and body of panda are not
separated from background. The reason that Figure 9 is
perceived as a shape of a complete panda is that men's view
separate background and front view by inferring an outline.
An outline by inference plays a role that reverses background
and front view and forms a shape by confusion of background
and front view.
B. Suggestion of Framework of Analysis in terms of Gestalt
Table 1: Analysis framework in terms of Gestalt psychology
Classification Compatibility Effect Image
Continuity
Contiguity
Similarity
Simplicity
Closure
Separation
Classification is composed of similarity, contiguity,
simplicity, contiguity, closure and separation. Compatibility is
scored on a scale of 1 to 5(low compatibility to high
compatibility). Effect that is shown after analysis is applied to
works is described. Kinetic art is analyzed based on image and
image of section that corresponds to each attribute is attached
as kinetic art is a genre with temporality.
Analysis of elements of Gestalt psychology shown in
kinetic art
A. Julius Popp’s <bit.code>
Figure 8: M.C Escher’s <Sky Water>
Figure 10: Julius Popp’s <bit.code>
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International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 11, Number 2 (2016) pp 756-761
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com
background and front view plays a role that creates an outline
and forms a shape. As white appears projected compared with
black, white bit is perceived as background while black bit is
perceived as front view creating an outline of shape. Lots of
white is placed around text to enhance legibility of text.
Julius Popp’s <bit.code> shows complex shapes from simple
elements by combining definite bit information infinitely [14].
The same Morse code is recorded in each line and bits move
in a confusing way depending on a difference in rotation of a
line. In confusing movement, various shapes and texts are
seen and momentary clearness and calmness are shown in
continuous movement.
B. Willem Van Weeghel’s <Dynamic Structure 29117>
Table 2: Analysis of Julius Popp’s <bit.code>
Classification Compatibility Effect
Continuity
4
Bit is perceived as wave and
sense of motion is created
Contiguity
5
Independent bit is perceived as
Similarity
shape
Simplicity
5
Meaningless bit is perceived as
Closure
meaningful text
Separation
5
Outline of a shape is created
and text legibility is enhanced
Classification
Continuity
Figure 11: Willem Van Weeghel’s <Dynamic
Structure 29117>
[Figure 11] shows Willem Van Weeghel’s <Dynamic
Structure 29117>. <Dynamic Structure 29117> is composed
of 32 independent lines on white canvas [15]. Continuously
moving lines create various visual effects while regularity and
irregularity repeat and visibility and invisibility of shape
repeat.
Image
Contiguity Similarity
Table 2: Analysis of Willem Van Weeghel’s < Dynamic
Structure 29117>
Classification Compatibility Effect
Continuity
2
An outline is created
Contiguity
3
Perceived as two independent
shapes
Similarity
5
Perceived as patterned figures
Simplicity
Closure
1
One shape can be interpreted
as various shapes
Separation
5
Background and front view
reverse
creating
optical
illusion
Simplicity Closure
Separation
Classification Image
Continuity
All six principles of Gestalt psychology are applied to Julius
Popp’s <bit.code>. Bits are perceived as waves by continuity
that attention moves following constant flow at sections that
bits descend gradually. Bits rotate vertically but men perceive
it as horizontal flow and sense of motion by continuity is
created. As lines rotate at different speed, balance of bits
collapse. Bits are recombined by similarity and contiguity
under confusion and irregularity. Bits are grouped by
similarity of colors and they are perceived as area and areas
located close each other are grouped by contiguity and
perceived as shape. Shape which is formed by similarity and
contiguity develops into text which gets to have a meaning by
simplicity and closure. Bits are perceived as alphabet which is
the simplest shape out of combination of bits by simplicity
and closure and legibility is enhanced by closure. Bits develop
into meaningful shape that has associated meaning with
alphabet breaking away from meaninglessness as simplicity
and closure are based on past learning. Separation of
Contiguity
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International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 11, Number 2 (2016) pp 756-761
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com
Daniel Rozin’s <Twisted Strips> is kinetic art which was
influenced by optical art. Twisted Strips is characterized by
perceptual illusion and creation of continuous images [16].
There are 21 lines on the background of black. There is a
motor at the end of both sides of each line and a line turns by
a motor which creates rhythmical wave.
Similarity
Simplicity
Closure
Table 3: Analysis of Daniel Rozin’s <Twisted Strips>
Classification Compatibility
Continuity
5
Separation
Contiguity
Similarity
3
Simplicity
4
Effect
Perceived
moving wave
Image
as
Perceived as a line.
natural movement
is formed
Overall shape is
separated into side
and line
Application of principle of Gestalt psychology can be found in
Willem Van Weeghel’s <Dynamic Structure 29117>.
Attention move following a flow of a straight line at a section
that 32 lines are enumerated maintaining constant angle. As a
result, an outline is created out of incomplete shape. Principle
of contiguity is applied to a section that a figure which is
symmetric based on the center of the work is formed. Shapes
that combination of 32 lines can be perceived are diverse.
Shapes are perceived as two lumps with highest density by
contiguity that recognizes a shape with higher density more
stable. Each line comes to belong to a figure with its
independence lost by similarity and simplicity. Men perceive
figures as pattern of two signs of inequality and two rhombus
which is caused by principle of similarity that groups figures
with the same shapes and makes the simplest pattern. As most
of the patterns created are already closed figures,
compatibility of principle of closure is not high. One shape
can be interpreted as various shapes such as circle and sector
at a section that each line spreads like a sector centering on 4
points by closure which arouses a visual interest. <Dynamic
Structure 29117> is characterized by background of white and
front view of black and separation of background and front
view by movement which makes background and front view
continue to be reversed. Black that moves is perceived as front
view and black that does not move is perceived as background
and an object which appears as front view turns to background
suddenly which arouses optical illusion and enhances
unexpectedness of a work.
Closure
5
Visibility of black
line is enhanced
Separation
5
A shape is formed
In <Twisted Strips> created by Daniel Rozin, 21 lines rotate
sequentially by motor and creates physical movement. As
black fragment moves in one direction, predicting next
movement is possible and attention follows the movement.
Horizontal flow not vertical motion of fragment is created by
principle of continuity. Similarity and contiguity are applied
while flows which are formed by combination of lines look
more natural. Organizing is made by similarity of the same
colors and by contiguity of black fragments that are close each
other. Shape of black is taken more important than space
between lines and discontinuous fragments create natural
movement. Combination of fragments is perceived as waves
as overall shape is separated by white side and black line
instead of seeing 21 lines consisting of white and black by
simplicity. There is a gap between lines. If there is a gap, an
outline is created together and a continuous flow is likely to
be broken. However, closure that sees what is disconnected as
one group sets off such risk element because visibility of lines
is enhanced by closure. Separation plays a role of forming a
shape. Black is perceived as front view and white is perceived
as background and black part is perceived as a shape. In
Twisted Strips, white lines are deployed by rotation and black
background appears. In Twisted Strips, actually black acts as
background and white acts as front view but men perceive
black as front view and white as background which makes
front view and background reversed.
C. Daniel Rozin’s <Twisted Strips>
D. Result of Analysis
This paper studied how to overcome limited movement of
kinetic art by analyzing kinetic art which used basic elements
based on Gestalt psychology. The following is a result of
analysis of each example.
Figure 12: Daniel Rozin’s <Twisted Strips>
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International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 11, Number 2 (2016) pp 756-761
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com
movement. It is necessary to study relation between Gestalt
psychology and kinetic art. An author of this paper will
conduct a study that produces kinetic art that storytelling
based on figures is possible by associating creation of
meaning and semiotics.
Figure 13: Analysis Result of Julius Popp’s <bit.code>
References
[1]
Figure 14: Analysis Result of Willem Van Weeghel’s
<Dynamic Structure 29117>
[2]
[3]
[4]
Figure 15: Analysis Result of Daniel Rozin’s
<Twisted Strips>
[5]
In <bit.code> created by Julius Popp, random bits change to a
meaningful text according to constant flow. Overall rhythm
like waves of the work forms by continuity and an outline of
bit creates and a shape forms and a text is legible by
separation, contiguity, similarity, simplicity and closure. In
William Van Weeghel’s <Dynamic Structure 29117>, various
figures are created by continuity, contiguity, similarity,
simplicity and closure and separation of background and front
view arouses optical illusion combined with movement.
Separation, simplicity, similarity, closure, continuity and
contiguity was applied to analysis of <Twisted Strips> created
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is enhanced by closure. Natural movement is created by
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Conclusion
The purpose of this study is to find out a possibility that
kinetic art makes artistic visual expression. Examples of
kinetic art that used basic elements were analyzed based on
six principles of Gestalt psychology(continuity, contiguity,
similarity, simplicity, closure, separation). All three examples
began with simple form of bit, line and row. Simple form that
moves through rotational motion may be an insufficient tool
for complex visual expression. However, examples of this
paper showed colorful and artistic visual effect even though
simple tools were used. As shown in a result of analysis of
examples, Gestalt psychology was applied to a simple figure
and it changes by human cognitive ability and is expressed as
art. Meaningful texts from combination of meaningless bits
are delivered as message with various visual elements and
beautiful movement like waves is expressed colorfully and
artistically.
Kinetic art accompanies physical movement and a limit of
means of expression. Gestalt psychology can deliver
meanings implicitly by using limited tool. Analysis of kinetic
art in terms of Gestalt psychology suggests that kinetic art can
be expressed visually breaking away from a limit of
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