FROM THE EDITOR

Margaret Sadler | Editor-in-Chief , news & views , ARTA

I ’ ve had one remarkable experience of synesthesia : When turning a corner on a downtown street , the tree ahead of me in its brilliant fall colours expressed exactly the same thing as the music on the radio at that moment . A few minutes later , the announcer identified Godfrey Ridout ’ s “ Fall Fair .” The music and the tree were one in a momentary experience that took my breath away .

Recently I heard a couple being complimented for the bright colours they wear , associating colourful , bright clothing with bringing energy to relationships and community building — another form of synesthesia , perhaps , in which colour and community are seen as one experience .

Community is built in different ways , among different people . Colour is inevitably part of it since a group of people can ’ t gather without there being a variety of colours in dress and environment . Murals and civic art installations bring colours into community spaces . When we eat in community — remember potluck dinners ? — food of various colours and textures nourishes us and our gathering . Even in the dead of winter we decorate with strings of coloured lights , adding warmth to the neutral tones of nature .

Colour is used differently across cultures — an Indigenous medicine wheel uses yellow , red , black , and white . Chinese culture attaches values to colours , with yellow being a particularly prestigious colour ; in Japan , red is a symbol of good luck and happiness . Green is given positive connotations in the Arab world , particularly in reference to Islam , showing up in many national flags . Christian churches — across various cultures — use blue , white , red , purple , and green to mark the liturgical seasons of the year .

Thus colour is recognized in certain cultural gatherings , drawing those people together . The culture can be ethnic , but also religious , corporate , or political . Wearing a particular colour at a particular time can send messages to other members of your communities .

I enjoy wearing bright colours , even to funerals ; while I may choose a black base , I like to add a splash of colour — a shimmering purple-blue silk scarf , a yellow-orange flowered jacket . We mourn , but we are also grateful for a full life , well-lived . Sometimes funeral attendees are invited to wear a particular colour or piece of clothing . In the gathering of colours , we recognize others drawn together as a community in mourning .

Colour is appreciated for community reasons . ARTA blue and orange are recognizable where ARTA banners attract members ’ attention . Colour builds community by inviting us collectively and individually to gather .

Colour and community go together . Colour can stimulate and build community , creating a synesthesia that can take our breath away .

What colours draw you into community ?

AUTUMN 2024 | 7