The colour experts have spoken, introducing ‘Ultra Violet’ as the 2018 Colour of the Year.
The experts from the Pantone Colour Institute work hard every year in analysing global trends through design and market research, to find one colour to represent where we currently stand in the world and where we might be heading. Regarded as inventive and imaginative, Ultra Violet is said to mean much more than just design trends, with Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Colour Institute saying “The Pantone 2018 colour of the year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.”
This purple hue is provocative yet thoughtful and is seen to light the way towards a brighter future. Regarded as an emotional colour, Ultra Violet “symbolises experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets”. There is much to be said for this statement, especially looking at how the colour purple has historically been used. Generally depicting a mystical or spiritual presence, this colour is usually linked to mindfulness techniques which help to inspire and energise minds. Influential musicians such as Prince, Bowie and Hendrix expressed their unique individuality by favouring this colour to push boundaries and help them stand out from the masses.
I think the team tasked with choosing this existential colour has hit the purple bullseye particularly well this year. The world is seeing a shift in traditional mindsets, with greater acceptance of gender fluidity, and with continuous efforts to reach gender equality. The fact that this colour also suggests ingenuity, mysteries of the cosmos and intrigue of future possibilities, all in all it has done a great job of emulating current events so far. Yesterday we said goodbye to one of the world’s greatest physicists, Stephen Hawking, who passed away on 14 March, which is also Albert Einsteins birthday. Hawking’s persistence to explore and question the unknown has inspired people across the world and opened more doors than one could imagine.
“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute. “From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”
Renée Blakeley
Senior Finished Artist / Studio Co-ordinator
Images courtesy of Pantone, Inquisitr, the Closeteur