Colour as Sensation in Visual Art and in Science

Bibliographic Data

ID10279766
AuthorsJonathan C Fish (corresponding author)
Year1981
Volume14
Issue2
Pages89
Publication date1981-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueLeonardo (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0024-094X • E-ISSN: 1530-9282
PublisherJSTOR (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2307/1574399
OpenAlexW2327993240
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited7

Contemporary colour science and colour art are, for the most part, on separate paths in spite of strong reasons for unity and collaboration. It is argued that this schism is not based on any intrinsic incompatibility, but on causes that are symptomatic of a disorientated culture. These causes are recent in origin and may be classified into those that are common to art or to science, in general, and those that are peculiar to the subject of colour. Prominent in the latter class is the failure by artists to appreciate the importance of distinguishing colour sensations from the external causes of these sensations and the inevitable priority given in science to the objective, rather than to the subjective, aspects of colour. It is suggested that material for a common philosophy, deeper than that of medium or technique, can be found in the study of colour sensation as part of the wider problem of relating private experience to external reality. An important example is provided by a discussion of contemporary uncertainties about the number and nature of colour attributes and of the relevance that this problem has for the visual arts. Some of the author’s kinetic artworks and colour demonstrations pertinent to the subject are discussed

Aesthetics · Art · Cognitive psychology · Sensation · Visual arts · Aesthetic Perception and Analysis · Color perception and design · Multisensory perception and integration · Psychology

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub