GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Color is all around us, making things more vibrant and eye-catching—but it isn’t just for show.
Different colors can convey a multitude of things from emotion to culture to evolution.
To explore the different ways color behaves in our world, the Grand Rapids Public Museum will be opening its newest exhibit, the Nature of Color, on Saturday, Nov. 2.
13 ON YOUR SIDE got a sneak peek at what visitors can expect to see there.
The Question:
Why isn’t the world black and white?
The Why:
If the world were without color, we would only be able to see light and dark, missing out on all of the hidden messages different colors could convey.
Color makes things look more vibrant and eye-catching, but it isn’t just for show.
Plants and animals have evolved to take on specific colors to blend in or stand out.
Chameleons can change their coloring to match their surroundings to hide from predators. On the other hand, flowers are brightly colored to attract bees and other pollinators.
Our atmosphere deals with color as well, from blue skies during the day to red skies during sunrises and sunsets.
The color of the sky is a result of sunlight being scattered by tiny particles in our atmosphere on its way from the sun to the Earth’s surface.
During the day, blue light, which has a shorter wavelength, is scattered throughout our sky. At dawn and dusk, longer wavelength red light is left over, staining the sky with warmer hues.
Plenty of color exists in nature, but humans also use color to communicate with others, represent culture and convey self-expression.
Different colors can be used in symbolic ways, from rooting for a sports team to indicating political affiliation and practicing traditions.
Various shades of colors can serve as status symbols or forge a group identity.
There are many more ways that color plays a role in our world, which are highlighted by the Grand Rapids Public Museum's new exhibit. Entry is free with standard admission and the exhibit runs through April 13.