The art of wellbeing: BLUE

15 Nov

‘Parking Space’ by Philip Reeves (Aquatint, 2001)

Each academic year the University of Stirling Art Collection runs a series of exhibitions, events and workshops directly inspired by the institution’s research.

The theme for 2021/22 is Health and wellbeing and this year’s first exhibition features a carefully curated selection of artworks featuring the colour blue.

Stay Blue by Olivia Irvine (Oil on canvas, 1991)

Documentation Officer, Fiona Clasen said: “This primary colour has long held a special significance. For some, it might denote sadness or cold.

“And it is the name for melancholy music in a minor key.

“But the calming nature of blue in meditation has been appreciated for centuries. It can be a healing presence, restorative, and harmonious.

“Pigments that produce blue have throughout the ages been highly prized – in jewellery, in porcelain, in body paint, dye for clothes, and for medicinal purpose, in medieval stained glass and - used sparsely - in the painted Renaissance robes of the Virgin Mary.”

“We hope the exhibition prompts you to reflect upon your own perception of this colour. What does blue mean to you?”