All-over Space / All Over Space definition

All-over space refers to a kind of space that exists in modern painting; it involves the distribution of forms filling a 2D surface versus creation of a center of interest used in traditional compositions.  In this type of space, the forms are displayed as filling in the spatial depth, as well as displaying similar degrees of significance within the composition.  This is in opposition to traditional composition in which there is a center of interest that is considered the most important part of the composition.   The forerunner of all-over space was Jackson Pollack.  He used all-over space in his drip paintings during the 1940’s and 1950’s.