The Nature of Color
Opens Saturday, November 2, 2024
Experience the vibrant world of color from their mindbending physics to the feelings they evoke.
The Nature of Color, a special exhibition organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, reveals how color carries information in nature—where organisms use it to find food, warn off predators, and conceal or reveal themselves—and across cultures, where different colors can signal a wide range of meanings, from good luck to power to a sense of urgency.
Visitors will explore the science of color, how colors make us feel, how they are perceived across cultures, the history of color production, and how plants and animals use color to help them survive and reproduce.
Inside the Exhibit
THE GRAY ROOM
Imagine a world without color… Watch as the lights change from white to yellow and experience yourself in grayscale.
THE GREEN ROOM
Color in Nature
How does color affect the natural world? Through their colors, many living organisms send loud messages or disappear into the background. Study specimens, photos, and interactives to reveal the incredible force of color on our ecosystems.
THE YELLOW ROOM
Feeling Color
What does the color blue mean to you? Does it make you feel sad or peaceful? Take a series of surveys about your personal relationship with color and learn how color can influence your mood and your decisions.
THE BLUE ROOM
Making Color
Explore two themes: the technology of making dye and the physics of color. Virtually dye and print fabrics at a six-player interactive table, investigate a sample of nearly true black pigment, and discover the world of minerals and organisms that produce colorful lights of their own.
THE WHITE ROOM
Color and Light
What makes something orange? Learn how our eyes detect and process some electromagnetic waves as colors. Experiment with primary colors and shine lights through prisms that reveal the rainbows in each beam.
THE RED ROOM
The Meaning of Color
How many meanings can one color have? From visually distinguishing sports teams from one another to indicating status, the colors we wear can communicate messages about us that vary across time and culture.
INTERACTIVE PAINTING
Color can be lighthearted and fun! Immerse yourself in color as you use your body to virtually paint the walls. Visit kiosks to adjust brush strokes and hues. Use your imagination and create something completely unique.
THE COLOR OF YOU
Angélica Dass’s stunning portraits explore the stunning diversity of human skin color by matching each subject to their coresponding Pantone color. Consider and challenge how people think about skin color and identity as you take in this unique photography project.
Events & Programs:
Educator Night with The Nature of Color
Thursday, November 7, 2024, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum after hours to preview the immersive traveling exhibit The Nature of Color. Join other educators to learn how to incorporate The Nature of Color into your curricular goals or field trip schedule this school year. Attendees will receive supplementary materials–including activity guides and books, and GRPM staff will be on hand to offer advice on maximizing the field trip experience. The event will be a casual, open-house format with light refreshments provided.
This event is designed for educators, and is free with registration.
Sponsored By:
