Negative space in art refers to the empty space around and between the subject(s) of an image. It is the space that is not occupied by the subject itself, but rather the space that surrounds it. Negative space may be most evident when the space around a subject forms an interesting or artistically relevant shape, and such space is occasionally used to artistic effect as the "real" subject of an image. Elements of an image that distract from the intended subject, or objects in the same focal plane, are not considered negative space. Negative space is a key element of artistic composition and is used to create balance, establish symmetry or rhythm, and distribute the weight of an image. In a composition, the positive space has more visual weight while the surrounding space, which is less visually important, is seen as the negative space. Negative space is also used to depict a subject in a chosen medium by showing everything around the subject, but not the subject itself, which will produce a silhouette of the subject. Negative space is understood by relatively few people, but with a bit of practice, it can help you look at photos and drawings in a new and abstract way.