SAQA Seminar 2021 - Unit 3

Color has cultural context. It’s had a significant impact on human history and the history of art, be it through availability, trade, design, or fashion. Cultures use language to describe color in a variety of ways; the emotional interpretation of color is also culture-dependent.

Artists in different media have used color in many ways, from vibrant primary color palettes to nuanced neutrals to striking black and white. In this unit, we will explore how various artists have used color throughout history.

Significant scientific work has been done to understand light and color. This includes the basic physical science of light and color, as well as the impact color has on the psychology of human beings. Here we explore both sciences to help understand our physical and psychological reaction to color.

Once colors were seen through a prism, scientists started to create color theories to assist in understanding color and its uses. Color theory and the use of the color wheel sounds like a topic we all recognize. But do you...

Welcome to SAQA’s 2021 Seminar on Color. Through our introductory unit, we hope you will explore your current relationship to color.

Many will say that color is the most important element in art. So, as textile artists, do we really know what color is? How is it used? How is it different by medium, by culture? Why does color matter?