Exploring Balance & Contrast: Upward Together’s Japanese Notan Workshop

This week at Upward Together, we immersed ourselves in the art of Japanese Notan, a traditional design concept that explores the harmony between light and dark. This practice is more than just an art technique—it’s a mindfulness exercise in balance, contrast, and creative expression.

What is Japanese Notan?

Notan (濃淡) translates to "light-dark" in Japanese and is a fundamental principle in art and design. It’s the interplay between positive and negative space, where black and white elements are arranged in perfect equilibrium. Artists use Notan to create dynamic compositions that draw the eye and invite deeper contemplation.

This concept is widely applied in painting, graphic design, and even architecture, but it also aligns beautifully with mindfulness practices. Just like in life, Notan teaches us that contrast—light and shadow, movement and stillness, structure and spontaneity—creates balance.

A Mindful Art Practice

Our Notan workshop was an opportunity for students to slow down, focus, and create with intention. By cutting and arranging shapes from black paper on a white background, they engaged in a tactile process that encouraged both creativity and patience.

Some benefits of this exercise included:
✨ Mindful Awareness – Staying present with each cut and placement
✨ Problem-Solving & Creativity – Finding new ways to balance elements
✨ Stress Relief – The repetitive nature of cutting and arranging provided a meditative experience

Student Creations

The artwork produced in the workshop was bold, striking, and deeply expressive. Some pieces featured abstract geometric designs, while others took on a more figurative form—faces, landscapes, and even surreal compositions. As students explored symmetry, reflection, and inversion, they discovered new perspectives on balance.


Art as a Tool for Self-Discovery

At Upward Together, we believe in the transformative power of art. Teaching Notan wasn’t just about creating beautiful compositions—it was about:
🎨 Building confidence in creative choices
🧘 Encouraging mindfulness through focused artistry
💭 Exploring personal expression in new ways

This workshop was a reminder that contrast is necessary for harmony, both in art and in life. Just as Notan designs thrive on the interplay of opposites, we too can embrace our own complexities with acceptance and curiosity.

Join Us for More Creative & Mindful Experiences

Upward Together is dedicated to using art and mindfulness to build connection and well-being. Stay tuned for more workshops that blend creative exploration with inner peace.

Stay inspired,
The Upward Together Team