Figure/Ground

DeGraaf’s studio practice is deeply informed by the Gestalt principles of perception, particularly the relationship between figure and ground. Rather than presenting a stable or singular image, his compositions invite viewers to move between what is seen immediately and what slowly emerges through closer observation. Figures and forms are first constructed through recognizable visual structures, then gradually deconstructed through overlapping shapes, interruptions, and spatial ambiguity. This push and pull across the picture plane challenges the eye to continuously reorganize the image, creating moments where foreground and background compete, merge, or dissolve into one another. In doing so, the work mirrors the way perception itself functions - constantly searching for meaning, connection, and wholeness within fragmented experiences.

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Colby DeGraaf (b. 1974, St. Petersburg, FL) is a studio painter that creates compositions focused on contemporary interpretations and representations of the figure. He currently maintains a studio in South Florida and exhibits work in commercial and public galleries throughout the United States.

“My work aims to bring connections to a range of evanescent moments by employing the human form in literal and figurative constructs.”

DeGraaf states that his studio practice is centered around Gestault principles of perception, specifically figure-ground relationships. Compositions are initially built up to show straight forward representations of figures and forms then his work goes through a deconstruction process to achieve a push or pull between proximities in the picture plane.