Project 3: Simultaneous Contrast

Josef Albers, one color as two

Josef Albers, two color as one

1. value contrast

2. complementary reaction

3. subtraction

4. Bezold Effect

Your assignment is to create a total of five-page series of simultaneous contrast exercises designed to help you internalize your understanding of the principles.

One panel should illustrate value contrast and should be comprised of two very different value surrounds each with the same color center.

The next panel should illustrate complementary reaction and should utilize a color and a neutral gray surround with the center squares being the complement of the color surround.

Next, illustrate the principle of subtraction by using a neutral gray and a color surround, and a center chip that is related to the colored surround (secondary to primary, secondary to tertiary).

Lastly, create a page with two surrounds that makes one color appear as two, and then a fifth page that makes two colors appear as one, also using two surrounds.

For all five, you should replicate the Albers format: please use a 1" square in a 4" surround. Please utilize the information above (1-4) and the aforementioned reading. These visual principles will guide you in 'pushing' colors to alter appearance. You may not use any of the color combinations in these examples.