An area of a painting, sculpture, etc., containing no contrasting shapes, figures, or colours itself, but framed by solid or positive forms, especially one that constitutes a particularly powerful or significant part of the whole composition; also in extended use.
Origin
1940s.
Definition of negative space in US English:
negative space
noun
Art
An area of a painting, sculpture, etc., containing no contrasting shapes, figures, or colours itself, but framed by solid or positive forms, especially one that constitutes a particularly powerful or significant part of the whole composition; also in extended use.