Metaphorical meanings of colour in abstract art

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present paper focuses on the figurative senses of abstract art, which can be rooted in human bodily experiences, interconnections between cognitive domains as well as mental concepts arising from the perception of colour. We take a closer look at the works of art created by, among others, Wassily Kandinsky, Yves Klein, Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman and analyse particular uses of colour in search of their deeper meaning expressed beyond the purely material surface. The concepts of physiognomic perception, emotional responses to art, and synaesthesia are briefly discussed as well. However, it is Joseph Grady's theory of primary metaphors which is the main point of reference for the undertaken discussion and interpretation of colour applications and their possible meanings. Even if declared abstract and non-semantic, the discussed works of art evoke certain emotions and reactions due to basic cognitive operations resulting from correlations in experience (they constitute an essence of primary metaphors). As proved in the body of this paper, they render some works of art metaphorical.