Opposition

Exploring words like opposition can evoke a variety of interpretations. By representing a concept first as an abstract configuration of shapes etc., the class can then begin to decode the variety of ways people experience opposition.

This is one student's solution to representing opposition using shape, texture and space. This was one of the earlier exercises, however, it is really interesting because the student explored a variety of axis grids as well as energizing the opposing shapes and elements with texture and reverse positive and negative shapes.I find her use of diagonals very interesting.

Most of the students stick to clearly vertical or horizontal representation, indicating opposition through the use of scale. I think this student's designs reflect her understanding of opposition as being equal balanced, reflected but reversed. One of the examples I showed the class demonstrated opposition as interacting forces arranged vertically like a tower of dissimilar solid shapes.

Another example shows opposition as a dominant force through the use of scale.

Here, opposition is shown as two sets of forces pushing or trapping the circle.

In discussing how each student infers the visual meaning of opposition, students can explore opposition operating in their own lives as well as the others. It is possible to have a conversation about the limits of language as it is heard differently depending on the understanding of the word used. When students come from different cultures, the subtlety of their vision is often more emotionally precise than trying to find a word. This simple exercise can bring a multi generational, multicultural class into conversation about how we all experience language differently.