Japanese Notans

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Part of our Art Around the World series—Japanese Notans are one of my favorite ways to explore positive and negative space.( Notan means dark-light and focuses on the interaction between positive and negative space.) I don’t think this skill gets enough love in art programs. It’s foundational, but it tends to be overlooked. Learning to really see both what’s there and what’s not? That’s an artist’s eye in the making.

Even younger students can do them—though they’ll be simple, of course. But wow—this year’s students knocked it out of the park. From intricate shapes to clever flips, they really got it. I love that moment when a student realizes how flipping a single cut-out shape can completely transform the composition. 

We explore the cultural significance too—how Notan reflects balance, harmony, and duality in Japanese aesthetics. And then it’s scissors, black and white paper, and total focus. It’s quiet in the room when they work on these… well, mostly quiet.

Notans are a visual literacy powerhouse. They teach students how to see negative space as part of the design, not just background. It sharpens observation skills and builds precision with cutting, placement, and balance. Plus, it’s super accessible—black and white paper, a glue stick, and a little time. Whether a student is in 3rd grade or high school, there’s room to grow with this one. And when they see how stunning a well-done Notan looks? It’s a confidence booster.

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