THE POWER OF BLACK AND WHITE ARTWORK: THE EMOTION OF COLOR

Why white and black hued artwork is so captivating and how to add it into your art collection.

The perception of color fascinates neuroscientists. And our brain influences our perception of colors to such a degree that some scientists consider colors to be merely an illusion. A series of experiments showed that humans have been conditioned to expect certain items in certain colors: example: green ketchup doesn’t make sense and is kinda gross.

Color enters your brain at every turn, but makes an impact in at least two major ways;

1. one dominant color registers in the subconscious before the subject is known; example; a background color.
2. the ambient light temperature – a warmer white balance setting that shifts towards red and yellow channels, will impart artwork with a particular quality and tone.

Use low color artwork in commercial and workplace projects when you want drama, subtle emotions, and when you don’t want to overshadow wall coverings or bright furniture. Working with an expert art consultant, like Embrace Creatives to de-stress the process of where and when to add black and white artwork, and WOW your hospitality and healthcare clients!

In this article we’ll stray from color and delve into equally powerful and tonal, black and white artwork.

In the absence of color, brightness (luminosity), shape, and contrast become the main mode of communicating but instead of it limiting the viewer, an achromatic piece of art can create visual cohesion and interest without the “interference” of color.

Why? Black traps space, while white opens space. Black evokes sophistication; white communicates innocence. It’s clear: black and white are opposites.

Contrast creates completion. The convergence of black and white (more so than any other color combination) is an example of how two divergent colors communicate more powerfully together than they do on their own. Let’s create AMAZING together! With over 35 years in the fine art and design industries, founder Andrea Bogart will expertly curate joyful black and white artwork bringing adventure to your hospitality projects.

What the color black says to us:

Black is visually heavy and its message is strong. Black’s most common association is power, authority, and strength. In stories of good versus evil black and darkness is always symbolic of the villain. Other associations of black include intelligence (black horn-rimmed glasses), professionalism (suit and briefcase), mourning and mystery. As a deep and serious color, black can direct communication in a powerful way.

What the color white says to us;

White is considered safe and open. In direct contrast to black, white is directly linked to that which is righteous, good and peaceful. Furthermore, white projects clarity, cleanliness (doctors in white coats), purity (wedding dresses) and salvation. White is said to promote creative thought (a blank whiteboard) and is also synonymous with fresh beginnings. As a positive, clear and open color, white can direct communication in a powerful way.

Most humans respond in similar ways to color, namely:

Red – danger, warning, attention;

Blue – cool, calming, relaxing;

Yellow – warm, friendly, open;

Green – natural, fresh;

Black – mysterious, sinister, classic, premium, heavy;

White – pure, open, light, honest, clean

Gray – apathy

Simply put, there’s a reason why most people purchase red sports cars, and most hospital rooms are white.

Another way humans respond to color is through contrast: one color against a backdrop of a complimentary color (red and green or blue and orange) then the colors will pop because it’s the only thing in the scene that is visually discordant.

However, the absence of color allows humans to concentrate on the subject without any distracting elements. Without color, the eye and mind immediately see the components, subject, mood, composition of the artwork. Black and white can have various looks too.

There are an infinite number of grey, black, white levels, as well as contrasts. These can also have a dramatic influence on the emotion of a black and white artwork.

So as much as you enjoy color don’t overlook the power and incredible emotion that black and white artwork can bring your home or office.

Let’s create AMAZING together and tell the unique story of your client’s restaurant, hotel, commercial property, or hospitality project using innovative artwork and custom installations. Hiring Embrace Creatives, a full-service art consultancy firm with 30+ years of expertise will save you time and de-stress the process of building an art collection. Schedule a presentation or contact us.