Horror Vacui

Definition

Horror vacui refers to the fear or dislike of empty spaces in art, resulting in filling every available space with intricate details, patterns, or decoration. It is often associated with art styles that prioritize visual complexity and abundance.

Related terms

Negative Space: Negative space refers to the empty or unoccupied areas surrounding the main subject or form in an artwork.

Minimalism: Minimalism is an art movement characterized by simplicity and reduction of unnecessary elements, often utilizing large areas of negative space.

Rococo: Rococo is an ornate and highly decorative style of art and architecture that embraces horror vacui by filling every available surface with intricate details.