Figure/ground relationships shape visual perception.
A figure (form) is always seen in relation to what su-
rrounds it (ground, or background)–letters to a page, a
building to its site, a sculpture to the space within it
and around it, the subject of a photograph to its setting
and so on.
Creating figure/ground tension or ambiguity
adds visual energy to an image or mark. Even subtle
ambiguity can invigorate the end result and shift its
direction and impact.