1.2 Colour theory: cultural interpretations
Introduction
Image by Rahulrk07 via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scientific theories of colour cross geographic borders and are described as ‘universal’, but meanings and symbolism attached to colour can be very specific to different cultural groups around the world, such as the Indian Holi festival of colour[1] (Figure 1.19), and at different times throughout human history.
Despite these culturally specific meanings and symbolism, studies investigating emotional links to colour have found some links to be shared around the world.
If you are an artist or designer of products, packaging, fashion, interior/exterior environments, digital media, games, etc., understanding how colour can affect your audience is useful.
Topics covered
This chapter will include a brief introduction to cultural interpretations of colour and where colour has been linked to human emotion, psychology and physiology.
