Grey or 'gray' is far more than just a word to denote colour. There are so many connotations arising from the mere mention of grey in a wide array of contexts. It isn't something that is probably taken into consideration by many on a day to day basis. Nevertheless, this is a word that has acquired such a wide swathe of meanings that it is worthwhile having a quick look at why it is one of my favourite words/concepts incorporating colours, contexts, nature, optics, culture, psychology, ethics, religion, fashion, associations and symbolism to name a few. There is a lot at stake when the idea of 'grey' arises and every culture forms its own unique response to it.
Grey can represent modesty, seriousness and conformity when it comes to business world fashion for both genders, yet can reflect humility and also poverty when worn by monks and priests of different religious orders. Grey can be interpreted as uncertainty and indifference on one hand and yet reflect intelligence, mental power and reflection on the other. Shades of grey often represent magnitudes of good and bad for many and indecision or reluctance to commit to a black and white decision for others. Recently, another twist has been added with the release of a book series and film titled "Fifty Shades of Grey" lending more credence to the term. There is also a perception held by many that grey is a negative, signifying solitude, boredom and emptiness placing anything 'grey' under suspicion. Grey hair denotes old age and the elderly, something every youthful generation wishes to ignore as it conveys the repellent message of "vanitas", a life party spoiler, if ever there was one. Lastly, grey stands for both shadows and secrecy when referring to the hidden power behind the authority figures which are visible, but is also representative of the colour of ashes, of mourning and repentance in some religions including Christianity.
Grey can represent modesty, seriousness and conformity when it comes to business world fashion for both genders, yet can reflect humility and also poverty when worn by monks and priests of different religious orders. Grey can be interpreted as uncertainty and indifference on one hand and yet reflect intelligence, mental power and reflection on the other. Shades of grey often represent magnitudes of good and bad for many and indecision or reluctance to commit to a black and white decision for others. Recently, another twist has been added with the release of a book series and film titled "Fifty Shades of Grey" lending more credence to the term. There is also a perception held by many that grey is a negative, signifying solitude, boredom and emptiness placing anything 'grey' under suspicion. Grey hair denotes old age and the elderly, something every youthful generation wishes to ignore as it conveys the repellent message of "vanitas", a life party spoiler, if ever there was one. Lastly, grey stands for both shadows and secrecy when referring to the hidden power behind the authority figures which are visible, but is also representative of the colour of ashes, of mourning and repentance in some religions including Christianity.
Grey is both colour and concept and for the most part they are inseparable to me. My eye darts to the mere suggestion of 'grey' and takes great delight in fathoming its warm or cool hues. When the rare collision of a myriad of greys occurs, it is a perfect retinal storm and a delight to me. All greys are welcome but some strike a deep chord and are welcomed like intimate friends when they appear. Certain painters have done justice to grey but only a few in my opinion have taken grey to a 'sublime' level. El Greco is an early innovator of the use of grey with his images of religious ecstasy. Peter Klaesz also used greys beautifully in his exquisitely detailed still life pictures of worldly abundance. Rembrandt, then much later Whistler followed by Mondrian, Morandi, Richter, Scully and Martin created some fine examples of "grey paintings" that visually please with their sensually honed surfaces. I know i have left out many fine names (in particular, 3D and multi-media artists) for the sake of brevity, nevertheless, these few examples are an indicator of the historical legacy of 'grey' in art for those wishing to research further.
Where would the glory of the rainbow colours be without grey to provide that wonderful, resonant contrast for them? I hope you'll take some time to think about 'grey' and what it means in your life.
Where would the glory of the rainbow colours be without grey to provide that wonderful, resonant contrast for them? I hope you'll take some time to think about 'grey' and what it means in your life.
