I had the opportunity to visit The Nature of Color exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and my senses felt whole in a way words can’t fully describe. Running through Spring, the exhibit explores how color profoundly shapes our world, emotions, and identities. As I moved through each room, I was struck by the simplicity yet depth of what was presented. This exhibit is a must-see for anyone looking to explore the meaning of color in their life or gain a deeper understanding of how color affects everything from mood to cultural significance. The exhibit resonated with me on a level that brought me to tears, revealing how deeply color can speak to us. Here are some highlights that particularly moved me—and may pique your interest, too.
THE GRAY ROOM: A World Without Color
Imagine stepping into a world stripped of all color. In the Gray Room, you experience this firsthand as the lights shift from white to yellow, turning everything into shades of gray. The effect is stunning and strangely unsettling; without color, the world feels empty, flat, and devoid of energy. This room gave me a new appreciation for the vibrancy and liveliness that color brings to even the most straightforward scenes.
Shop the Gray Dye Kit for all our shades of gray!
THE GREEN ROOM: Color in Nature
Color in nature is a tool of survival, beauty, and communication. The Green Room delves into how plants, animals, and insects use color to stand out or blend in, sending messages of attraction or warning. Through specimens, photos, and interactive displays, you see color as an essential force in ecosystems. It’s a reminder that color is more than decoration; it’s a language that speaks volumes in the natural world.
Shop the Yellow-Green Dye Kit, Dark Green Dye Kit, or Green Dye Kit for all our shades of green!
THE YELLOW ROOM: Feeling Color
Does blue make you feel calm, or does it make you feel sad? The Yellow Room invites you to take a series of surveys exploring your personal relationship with color and how it influences your mood and choices. For anyone interested in color psychology, this room is a fascinating look at how different hues can subtly guide our emotions and decisions.
Shop the Yellow Dye Kit or Gold Dye Kit for all our shades of yellow!
THE BLUE ROOM: Making Color
This room celebrates the science and art behind color creation. Learn about the technology of dye-making, explore the physics of color, and engage in interactive tables where you can virtually dye fabrics. It’s also here that you’ll find a sample of nearly true black pigment, a marvel of scientific advancement. Minerals and bioluminescent organisms demonstrate how color comes alive, illuminating the incredible ways nature and technology interact to create vibrant hues.
Shop the Blue Dye Kit, Royal Blue Dye Kit, or Indigo Dye Kit for all our shades of blue!
THE WHITE ROOM: Color and Light
In the White Room, you’ll learn how our eyes process light waves to see color. This highly interactive space features prisms and primary color experiments that reveal the rainbow hidden in every beam of light. It’s an inspiring, hands-on exploration of the science behind color perception and how our brains translate light into the colors we see.
THE RED ROOM: The Meaning of Color
Color is often loaded with meaning; nowhere is this more apparent than in the Red Room. From sports jerseys to social status indicators, this room delves into how the colors we wear and use can communicate messages about who we are. I reflected on how we assign significance to colors and how these meanings evolve across cultures and generations.
Shop the Red Dye Kit, Dark Red Dye Kit, or Pink Dye Kit for all our shades of red!
INTERACTIVE PAINTING: Embracing Colorful Fun
The interactive painting station lets you use your body to paint virtual walls for a dose of pure joy. Adjust the brush strokes, change hues, and let your imagination run wild as you become the artist. It’s a playful reminder that color can be profound and lighthearted, bringing out creativity in everyone.
THE COLOR OF YOU: Celebrating Skin Tones
In a moving installation, photographer Angélica Dass captures the diversity of human skin tones, matching each subject with their unique Pantone color. This powerful project encourages viewers to think more deeply about identity, skin color, and the concept of beauty. It’s a reminder of the world’s vast diversity, seen through the spectrum of color.
Shop the Neutral Dye Kit or the Brown Dye Kit for all our shades of skin tones!
Feeling Inspired to Bring Color Into Your Life?
The Nature of Color exhibit inspired and deeply moved me. Color is simple, yet it communicates much about who we are and how we see the world. If you leave the exhibit with a new appreciation for color, why not take that feeling further?
If you’d like to integrate more color into your life—whether in your wardrobe, home, or a unique project—reach out to me for a custom Dash Dye session. Together, we can explore the colors that bring you joy and create a personalized piece that captures the essence of your unique color story. Whether you’re inspired by natural greens, calm blues, or bold reds, I’d love to help you bring more color into your world.
Book a session and explore how you can integrate color into your wardrobe!
