Blue has captivated the imagination across civilizations for millennia, shaping art, culture, and scientific innovation. This presentation explores the paradox of blue: ever-present yet historically challenging to reproduce. Tracing the evolution of blue pigments from the first synthetic Egyptian Blue (circa 2600 BCE) to the prized ultramarine derived from lapis lazuli, I uncover how this color became a symbol of divinity, power, and artistic mastery and how it liberated blue from the Church’s control. Beyond pigment, I examine blue’s philosophical and cosmic dimensions—how Yves Klein sought pure blue as a gateway to the infinite and how the iconic "Earthrise" photograph reshaped humanity’s perspective on our planet. I examined primary sources, such as translations of ancient texts and artworks, alongside modern scientific discoveries. I even recreated historical pigments like Egyptian Blue and ultramarine to understand their cultural and technical significance. This study reveals how blue transcends its physical form to become a universal language of creativity and connection, bridging the past, present, and future.
Veronica Blanco, originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, obtained her B.A. in her hometown in English as a Second Language. She has been an educator in Argentina and the USA for over 30 years. Since childhood, Veronica has been captivated by art, finding inspiration in illustrations, drawings, shapes, and colors. The narratives woven into art history and the masterpieces created by renowned artists have consistently fueled her passion for artistic expression. She is double major in Studio Art and Art History. Looking towards the future, she will embark on a new academic journey, pursuing an M.F.A. in Painting.
Comments
Great talk Veronica! I'm curious as to the origin of blue blood for royalty, is it linked with the preciousness of the stone to acquire the blue pigment?