Negative Space

I was thinking about how to better articulate the idea of purposeful empty spaces when I rememberd that there’s actually a very good way to describe it. It’s a concept I learned years ago during my time in Japan: Ma (Negative Space / Empty Space), the "Beauty of Space and Silence."

"'Ma' represents the space, gap, or pause between objects, sounds, or moments. It is not simply empty space, but a dynamic presence that enhances harmony, aesthetics, and the experience of time and movement."

It gives an object room to breathe, a space room to shine, and it allows for a deeper appreciation of the surrounding environment. It's emptiness that gives meaning.

It's also a moment of pause, a gap between the moments. The restful silence in conversation, the small pause before doing.

Here's a slightly cheesy video that I believe explains the concept more clearly.