Timeless Black & White

The magnetic allure of the monochromatic spectrum of black and white has proven an indispensable stronghold throughout the history of artmaking, a common denominator in nearly all artists’ investigations at one time or another. Not only serving to distill and focus an artistic expression, the black and white scheme also holds a particular personality all its own, one of mystery, emotion and formidable sway. Many an artist across genres has remarked on the indescribable perfection of utilizing black and white— it complements everything, and it speaks silently, allowing a deeper truth of motive to emerge from a work. Perhaps it is simply less distracting than adding an element of color, but what is more likely is that, in its simplicity, it is inherently supportive of all range of nuances hidden within a voice, a powerfully emotive vehicle by which a creator can make full use of their strength.

In color theory, there is an interesting paradox. With opaque material, which is paint on a surface, black is the combination of all the colors and white is the absence of color. With transparent, projected light, black is the absence of color and white contains them all. This allows for a very dynamic and shifting library of symbolism to draw from, one that is as rich and varied as the artists who tap into it. Each one wields it with different intent, and it provides a lush raw material through which to voyage. Black can be the void, or it can be the nigredo of prime unformed matter, in the words of the alchemists. Comparatively, white can be the nothing, or it can be the light at the beginning, sprung forth to create the world. Even our own intricate personal histories can influence the way in which we experience an artwork as a viewer, with specific pieces building powerful links for us, reflecting multifaceted truths oftentimes eluding words or description.