COLORWAYS: Black & White

Morgan Goldsmith
Jul 11, 2021
1 min read

To wrap up the COLORWAYS series, today is all about color staples black and white.

Black is the absence of color, as all colors are absorbed and none are reflected. The color represents power, strength, and authority. In true color theory, black is present in all colors because it provides depth. On the other hand, black symbolizes fear, mystery, and grief. These themes derive from black’s association with the unknown and darkness. Finally, black indicates elegance, sophistication, and sexiness. Phrases like “black tie” and “little black dress” contribute to the associations.

In opposition, white is literally all colors absorbed and reflected at the same time. White is most often equated to purity and innocence. In western culture, brides traditionally wear white on their wedding day, and white is worn for religious ceremonies. However, white also represents isolation and sterility. Many people view rooms with pure white walls as spacious, yet empty and unfriendly. The color is often used to add balance to rooms with a variety of colors.

Together, black and white represent opposition from good and evil to naivety and wisdom. In music, the use of black and white together creates grayscale album covers and tends to be focused on telling a story of growth or conflict. These black and white albums are often praised for their complexity and their ability to communicate the rollercoaster of real human emotion.

Take a look at the black and white albums below and leave your thoughts in the comments!