We explain what something two-dimensional is, the origin of the term and various examples. Also, how it is used in art and design.
What is something two-dimensional?
The two-dimensional term (from the Latin bi-, “two and dimension, “Measure” or “extension”) means according to the Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy “that it has two dimensions”, that is, that it lacks depth (the so-called “third dimension”), and It has only two verifiable dimensions: length (length) and width (width).
Two-dimensional objects and figures are possible representations in a flat space, that is, not three-dimensional, and examples of this are polygons, simple geometric figures, lines or points. For example, the Cartesian coordinate systems (called the Cartesian plane) of axis x and axis and they are forms of two-dimensional mathematical representation; but if a third dimension is incorporated (the axis z), they become three-dimensional.
In terms of art and design, we speak of two-dimensionality when the figures or images they do not evoke any kind of depth, that is to say, they do not generate the illusion of the three dimensions, but they are totally flat. Such is the case, for example, of many of the works of Cubism, such as those of the Spanish Pablo Picaso (1881-1973).