As I peruse the photos I've taken over the years, I am struck by the continuity in shapes. Regardless of the province or town I visit, or the locales I frequent, circles and lines are constant. In vegetable markets, round red tomatoes are placed next to long orange carrots. Circular potatoes are housed next to long thin scallions. In the Forbidden City, the towering red doors are decorated with lines of large ornamental gold knobs: circles in a line. The zodiac masks in the galleries and museums have large round eyes and are decorated with designs of color and ink lines.
Maybe this is the case in the rest of the world. I guess that in most markets, galleries and sites, there are circles and lines, but for some reason, the continuity of shapes in China strikes me.
Perhaps it's the combination of the shapes and the bright colors that strike me. Non-GMO vegetables are naturally vibrant. It does not matter how many fruit and vegetable markets I visit, I am always in awe of the colors. The use of bright colors in art and architecture is also fascinating. Red is a lucky color, believed to bring health, wealth and happiness to those who wear or decorate with it. Traditionally, brides wear red dresses (white is the color of funerals). Red envelopes filled with money are given away at Chinese New Year. As Americans, by comparison, we see very little red in our homes, our clothing and our buildings. This is shocking compared to the more muted palette to which we are accustomed.
Come with me to enjoy the circles, lines and bright colors of China!
Maybe this is the case in the rest of the world. I guess that in most markets, galleries and sites, there are circles and lines, but for some reason, the continuity of shapes in China strikes me.
Perhaps it's the combination of the shapes and the bright colors that strike me. Non-GMO vegetables are naturally vibrant. It does not matter how many fruit and vegetable markets I visit, I am always in awe of the colors. The use of bright colors in art and architecture is also fascinating. Red is a lucky color, believed to bring health, wealth and happiness to those who wear or decorate with it. Traditionally, brides wear red dresses (white is the color of funerals). Red envelopes filled with money are given away at Chinese New Year. As Americans, by comparison, we see very little red in our homes, our clothing and our buildings. This is shocking compared to the more muted palette to which we are accustomed.
Come with me to enjoy the circles, lines and bright colors of China!
RSS Feed