August 07 , 2024
CAN SHADES SPEAK?
Yes, colors and shades can speak but not in literal terms. We have all heard of the common phrase “words aren’t enough to express…” but a little that we know is that colors can express more than words. This article looks at how an artist can reflect their own feelings and how it is perceived by different cultures.
Color Symbolism
Color symbolism is the cultural evolution of our psychological associations with color. For example, red is often associated with love but also aggression. Blue symbolizes serenity and wisdom. And black often represents death and grief.
Color symbolism is the cultural evolution of our psychological associations with color. For example, red is often associated with love but also aggression. Blue symbolizes serenity and wisdom. And black often represents death and grief.
Color Across Cultures
Colors at times have more than one interpretation. Looking back during the Japanese civil wars, the Samurai warriors wore red as a symbol of strength and sacrifice but in India red signifies anger and passion. In western cultures white symbolizes purity and innocence and is the color choice of western brides although in India it is a symbol of mourning. In China, people historically associate yellow with royalty whereas for Germans, yellow symbolizes envy and jealousy. Green in Mexico stands for independence and patriotism. In South America, however, green is the color of death.
Colors at times have more than one interpretation. Looking back during the Japanese civil wars, the Samurai warriors wore red as a symbol of strength and sacrifice but in India red signifies anger and passion. In western cultures white symbolizes purity and innocence and is the color choice of western brides although in India it is a symbol of mourning. In China, people historically associate yellow with royalty whereas for Germans, yellow symbolizes envy and jealousy. Green in Mexico stands for independence and patriotism. In South America, however, green is the color of death.
While the meaning of color can vary across cultures and religions, its significance cannot be understated. We see and understand the world vividly in color. People everywhere respond to unique, relevant, and targeted experiences. And so the significance of color allows an artist to establish authentic and genuine connections among us.
– Charis Karunya
