Columns of Colour

As the three couloured beams are such a major part of this installation i thought it was important to look at the associations people may make with each coloured beam.

Red:



When looking at the red beam I believe that the first connotations that will come to mind are those of lasers and infrared technology. It is common to find in many hollywood films the use of red beams to connote a large security system. Furthermore these red beams may be associated to the use of a weapon, for example the sight on a gun or a laser pen. Regarding technology, many may link the red beams to that found with computer components such as a key board or a mouse.

Green:



Regarding a green beam of light, i believe that science fiction connotations will be the first to surface. Throughout science fiction, green beams are used to connotate something other wordly. For example, these may be the beams from a spaceship or another alien object. The green light also connotates an eeiry feeling which may be linked to science fiction. As well as science fiction associations, green lasers are also seen at music shows, such as dance, techno and drum and bass. The green lights are very visually pleasing and add an extra element to the music.


Blue:



When looking at the blue columns of light, we can agin consider lasers. Although many associate the colour red with lasers, blue lasers are also commonaly used. Following on from the connotations with lasers, many also associate a blue beam with lightsabers as seen in the blockbuster films, Star Wars.

White:



With white beams of light, the most obvious connotations are with religion and deity. Throughout history, a white beams of light have been seen in art and literature surrounding religions. Many associate it with the pureness and goodness of religion and its advocates, a white light shining down from heaven, showing happiness and peace. This alo has links to the Sun and connotation linking to sunbeams. The use of spotlights and torches may also link to a white column of light, conjuring up connotations of rescue and security. Furthermore, the uses of spotlights in the theatre and stage productions may be thought of. Finally, the association with warships and searching spotlights may connotate a more hostile and dangerous connotation.

Although the connotations of white columns of light have been covered before, i felt it was important to look at all the connotations together so that each meaning could be studied in comparision to each other.