As an artist, you think about the form of any project first and then think about the colours you are going to use. However, from the point of view of the viewer, they focus first on the colour scheme of any project. Colour scheme is what catches the eye of the viewer. Once the installation gets the attention, the viewer notices the form it represents.
“Usually when you’re creating, you create the form first, and then pick a colour for it, we want to put the colour first,” said Tomislav Topić, one half of the Berlin-based street art duo Quintessenz, who installed the newest public art project at Northeastern University. “You notice the colours first, then maybe the shape they’re in,” said Topic. What colour scheme one uses matters the most when it comes to public art because people passing by are usually not paying attention to the art around them. It has to be very eye-catching to grab the attention of the viewer enough to stop him in his tracks and make him take a few seconds to admire the installation.
Public art is gaining popularity these days. It not only gives the place a sense of personalisation, but also spruces up the place. It is used to beautify a public place, but when taken too far, it can also be used as propaganda. It is usually used to portray community values. Representation of culture through art is not a new concept, but public art is giving it a revolutionary come-back. “It’s not usual that universities put an emphasis on public art, but it’s so important for education.” Topic says.
Colours add vibrancy to any place and have the power to make people happy. Bright yellows and reds lift people’s moods almost immediately, while blues have a calming effect. They have a neurological effect and can manipulate our moods and emotions.
Anushka Singh