by Ilanit Moskal

Created on: June 23, 2008

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

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