A truly magnificent work of art draws its power from the ability to create an emotional reaction in its audience. Whatever that emotional reaction is whether it is joy, amusement, anger, or exasperation it is originated through the artist’s techniques. One of the most effective means to achieving a reaction is through the use of color (or lack thereof).
Although we would like to believe that some colors have universal meaning, I contend otherwise. Allow me to elaborate: for most of the western hemisphere the color purple does not carry any particular meaning, however, in Chinese culture the color purple represents royalty. Another example of disparity in the significance of color is in the color white; for most cultures the color white represents purity (or even bridal qualities), however, in Japan if you send someone white flowers it means they are either dead, or you wish them to be.
Art (and the colors portrayed in a particular piece) is subjective due to the audience’s personal as well as, cultural history or background. As I mentioned previously, different colors carry different meanings among different cultures, but this applies on a person by person basis too. Each person brings their own experiences and views to the table when observing a work of art. It is through every person’s life experiences that the work of art they are observing is filtered.
The historic context of the piece is another filter that may alter how a color is perceived. In the late 1940s and 1950s the color red was irreversibly and strongly attached to communism. Any piece created during that time that boldly features red would undeniably be linked to thoughts of communism or the Soviet Union. In a more contemporary reference: the color green has always symbolized nature, but throughout the last two decades it has also began to symbolize our environment and a more benevolent attitude towards it (think sustainable farming and recycling).
Artists rely on color to create a mood or feeling that will convey to their audience a message. If examining those colors from a strictly western perspective (generally) there are palettes that an artist can use to communicate more effectively with his/her audience. The warmer color palettes express just that- warmth, and all that it encompasses. A work of art featuring mainly yellows, oranges, and reds envelopes the observer in a sense of vitality. However, this palette is double edged and depending on the context can also represent danger. This is due to the origin of these colors in nature; the sun, various fruits, blood, and fire. Elements such as blood and fire can carry a positive or negative connotation: blood can signify a family bond or a dangerous situation, fire can be a source of sustenance or a weapon. Therefore it is up to the artist to create the framework in which to best bring forth the qualities of the color that apply to the message he/she is trying to impart.
On the other side of the color wheel is the cool palette. Once again as the name suggests these colors envelope the observer in a more icy feeling. When using purples, blues and greens an artist creates a darker but more luxurious piece. These colors almost feel more intimate because they hark towards nighttime. This, again, can be double edged: the night can represent caution, or secrecy and privacy. It is the artist that chooses how to best portray these colors so that they spark the emotion that is desired.
Art stirs us in ways that push us to investigate ourselves; why did I react to that piece the way that I did? We react to more than just what is featured, we react to how it is featured. We try to understand what the artist is saying, and it’s the colors the artist chooses that are intended to help us do just that. It is almost as if we are having a conversation with the artist but he/she is speaking a foreign language and the colors that he/she chooses are the interpreter.
