Colors are not merely visual stimuli, but also social constructs that have a profound impact on our perception, communication, and behavior. Colors can evoke a range of emotions, memories, and associations that are deeply rooted in cultural contexts. The meanings attributed to colors can vary widely across different societies and historical periods, reflecting complex interactions between language, symbolism, aesthetics, and power relations.

For example, in Western cultures, the color white is often associated with purity, innocence, and peace. In contrast, in some Eastern cultures, such as China and Japan, white traditionally represents death, mourning, and funerals. This difference in color symbolism illustrates how cultural beliefs and practices surrounding death and the afterlife can shape the meanings attributed to colors.

The meanings attributed to colors can also evolve over time. For instance, in medieval Europe, blue was associated with humility and the Virgin Mary. However, in Renaissance art, blue became linked with nobility and divine power. These examples demonstrate that the meanings of colors are not fixed or universal, but are instead shaped by cultural and historical contexts.

Understanding the complex and dynamic relationships between colors and cultures requires an interdisciplinary approach that draws on multiple fields of knowledge, such as anthropology, psychology, linguistics, art history, design, and technology. This conference provides a platform for scholars and researchers from diverse disciplines to explore the cultural dimensions of colors and their implications for various aspects of human life, including art, literature, design, architecture, science, and technology.

By bringing together different perspectives and methodologies, the conference aims to shed light on fundamental questions such as: How do cultural norms and values shape the way we perceive, use, and interpret colors? How do colors communicate social, political, and religious meanings in different cultures? How do technological innovations and environmental concerns affect the production and consumption of colors? How do colors influence our moods, behaviors, and well-being? How do artists, writers, designers, and architects use color to express aesthetic, symbolic, or functional ideas? How do scientists and engineers study and manipulate colors in different fields of research?

Through these and other questions, the conference seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of the complex interplay between colors and cultures, and to generate new insights into the ways in which color shapes our understanding of the world around us. We welcome contributions from scholars and researchers at all stages of their career, and from all parts of the world, who are interested in exploring the fascinating and multifaceted world of colors and cultures.

Possible topics may include, but are not limited to:

Color perception: How do people from different cultures perceive and categorize colors? How does language and culture influence color perception? How do physiological and psychological factors affect color perception?

Color symbolism: How do colors convey social, religious, or political meanings in different cultures? How do colors express identity, status, or emotions? How do color associations change over time and across cultures?

Color production: How do cultural practices and traditions shape the use of natural and synthetic dyes? How do technological innovations and global markets affect the production and consumption of colors? How do environmental and ethical concerns influence color production?

Color in fashion: How does color influence fashion trends and consumer behavior? How do designers use color to evoke emotions and create visual impact in clothing and accessories? How does cultural diversity influence color choices in fashion?

Color in art and literature: How do artists and writers use color to express aesthetic, symbolic, or narrative ideas? How do cultural contexts and historical periods shape the use of color in art and literature? How do cross-cultural exchanges and translations affect the interpretation and reception of color in art and literature?

Color in design and architecture: How do designers and architects use color to create functional and aesthetic environments? How do cultural values and traditions influence color choices in design and architecture? How do color schemes and patterns affect human behavior and well-being?

Color in science and technology: How do scientists and engineers study and manipulate colors in different fields (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology, computer science)? How do technological advances and applications (e.g., digital media, virtual reality, biotechnology) change our perception and use of colors? How do cultural factors affect the development and adoption of new color technologies?

Please send a proposal of 250 to 350 words to samuel.ludwig@uha.fr (English) or charlaine.clerc@gmail.com (French) before 30th November 2023. Proposals will be accepted/rejected before Christmas.