Research (ongoing) - The psychology of colour; 'Theory of colours' Johann Wolfgang Goethe

Research 

The psychology of colour 

https://www.brainpickings.org/2012/08/17/goethe-theory-of-colours/ 

One of the earliest formal explorations of color theory came from the German poet, artist, and politician Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who in 1810 published Theory of Colors (public library; public domain), his treatise on the nature, function, and psychology of colors. Though the work has been dismissed by a large portion of the scientific community, it remained of intense interest to a cohort of prominent philosophers and physicists

This article briefly explores the colours that have been investigated within 'theory of colours'. Although admittedly the theories have been technically disproved, the artistic and psychological view of colours will vary between individuals. The intuative accounts of the colours are more a philosophical exploration of the communication they hold. This is of specific interest to myself and my practice as my psychologically cathartic work illustrates much of my written work. The visual aspect of my practice will warrant much use of colours; firstly due to their magnetic ability to draw people toward and also as a visualisation of my thoughts and their changing colouration.

I was specifically interested in the section examining 'red-yellow'

'RED-YELLOWAs no color can be considered as stationary, so we can very easily augment yellow into reddish by condensing or darkening it. The color increases in energy, and appears in red-yellow more powerful and splendid.All that we have said of yellow is applicable here, in a higher degree. The red-yellow gives an impression of warmth and gladness, since it represents the hue of the intenser glow of fire.'

Talk of energy within this colour is mainly what draws me to the description. The energy of a colour is often inexplicable and underpins the feelings when viewing works containing this colouration. The glow of fire holds colours that result from chemical reaction, this seems parallel to the reactions within the brain that emotively spark feeling to colour. 

'His most fascinating theories explore the psychological impact of different colors on mood and emotion — ideas derived by the poet’s intuition, which are part entertaining accounts bordering on superstition'

Science can help us understand the physiological changes that occur when we view differing colours. However, I decided to look more at the historical, philosophical side first. This was firstly due to the fact my visual work is rarely planned, the colours that feature have been impulsively chosen. This could possibly be due to psychological aspects or impulses. Secondly, I wanted to investigate colour history from an earlier date than modern day to gain some historical context about  how the theories have developed over time. 

The insight provided within 'theory of colours' is poetic and the depth may appeal to people on a poetic level. The interaction with different colours demonstrates how many levels visuality can act upon, although not cognitively proved. The unconscious may appeal in similar ways to that in which Goethe explores.