Juxtaposition is defined simply as placing objects side-by-side.
In art, juxtaposition is done mainly to bring out a certain quality or to create an effect, especially when contrasting or opposing elements are present. In a term of more formal elements, this can be seen, for example, with the usage of darker colours in contrast with lighter colours or a simple drawing against a detailed background.
A scene from Hayao Miyazaki's movie, Howl's Moving Castle showcasing juxtaposition between the simplistic character designs and the intricately detailed background and foreground.
However, the usage of juxtaposition is more commonly used to refer to concepts and imagery. As an example, an artist may use a picture of polluted environment in contrast with a picture of a rainforest to stress on the importance of preventing pollution and conserving the environment.
Don't Waste Your Life by Zepaulo carries the message of taking care of one's health by comparing the differences between a
"polluted environment" and a "clean environment" by using a photograph of a person's face as the medium.
Juxtaposition is also used frequently in advertising items, especially household products, in order to attract customers to buy their products along with convincing them that their products are the best and better than any "Product X".
These are done because when 2 things are placed side-by-side, people will automatically compare the 2 things and make a decision over which one of them is better than the other. Thus, making up their minds over a certain topic or helping them make a decide a better course of action. Therefore, juxtaposition plays a vital role in solving conflicts in our everyday lives.
