Ruby Red is not just a color...
The theme of the Biennale 'Ruby Red' is a journey through the different layers of its meanings. The process of researching these meanings can be an opportunity to approach individual experiences, a chance to discover and rethink historical narratives, and contemporary contexts in local or intergalactic space. It may also be a warning signal that draws attention to global challenges. It can also be a call for a reset, a rebellion, a firm resistance to existing problematic systems, an escape from an apocalyptic scenario, a rebirth with inner radiance, or a celebration of coexistence with symbiotic ecosystems for a collective sustainable future.
"Ruby Red" travels through the history of people with a multifaceted meaning, revealing different layers in different times and spaces. It is a reflection of diverse perspectives, situations, cultural narratives, and lifestyles. Expressed in a variety of terms in different languages, its enchanting color resonates with the complexity of human experience. The interpretations are as diverse as how many cultures have given it meaning.
"Ruby Red" is not just a color... it is a state, a relationship with the inner or outer world. Its symbolism is manifested in numerous images and its meaning is multifaceted. Strength, Prosperity, and Protection - A ruby embedded in the skin is a talisman in some cultures, in others it is associated with aggression, blood, and war. In some - masculine, in others, it radiates feminine energy. A source of magic and mysticism - for some, for others - a source of power and grandeur. Revolution, inner glow, rebirth - for some, for others pain and destruction. A symbol of youth and beauty - for some, for others - seniority and wisdom.
The Biennale is a kind of meditation to get to know the intense and potent ruby red. Observation for reflection on the complex interplay of cultural values and reality.
'Ruby Red', a statement of eye-catching and symbolistic color to a natural influence over us and our emotions
The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means 'red'. A popular color among artworks, fashion, and almost everything, 'Ruby' has made a statement for itself as one of the most important colors. Ruby Red is a very unique shade of red, derived from the color ruby - the color of the cut and polished ruby gemstone. It comes in shades of red and pink. You can use this pigment to color certain areas of your work that need little to full blush tones than an overpowering red.
The symbolism of the color was largely practiced in history.
Early cultures treasured rubies for their similarity to the redness of the blood that flowed through their veins, and believed that rubies held the power of life. Rubies are mentioned four times in the Bible, in association with attributes like beauty and wisdom. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or 'king of precious stones'.
In ancient Egypt, the colors were very limited; and thus the color red symbolism was associated with a lot of meanings. They used it to symbolize life, health, and victory. Egyptians would color themselves with red ochre during festivities. Women used it in cosmetics to redden their cheeks and lips, symbolizing wellness. It was widely utilized as a pigment for wall paintings, particularly used as the skin color of men.
Yet, since red meant war, heat, and fire -- it also had its adverse associations. Red was the color of the Greek gods of war -- Phoebus and Ares. The color had both positive and negative connotations. There is bloodshed, aggression, and conflict on one side; and love, warmth, and compassion on the other.
In the first century AD, the Roman scholar Pliny included rubies in his Natural History, describing their hardness and density.
Ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the god Krishna were granted rebirth as emperors.
Hindus divided ruby into four castes, calling the true Oriental ruby a Brahmin. Someone in possession of a Brahmin was believed to have the advantage of perfect safety.
People in India believed that rubies enabled their owners to live in peace with their enemies.
In Burma (a ruby source since at least 600 AD—now called Myanmar), warriors possessed rubies to make them invincible in battle. However, it wasn’t enough to just wear the rubies. They had to insert them into their flesh and make them part of their bodies.
Many Roman villas were decorated with vivid red murals. It was one of the finest reds of ancient times; the paintings have retained their brightness for more than twenty centuries.
In ancient China, the color red was used by artists when they made pottery as early as the Yangshao Culture period (5000-3000 BC). Like the Egyptians, they made a red dye from the madder plant to color silk fabric, to be used for gowns and lacquerware.
Indians had the Rubia plant and used it for centuries to make dye for the robes of Indian monks and hermits. The early Americans on the other hand, had their vivid crimson dye, made from cochineal - an insect of the same family as the Kermes.
Ruby retained its importance with the birth of the Western world and became one of the most sought-after gems of European royalty and the upper classes. Many medieval Europeans wore rubies to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love.
The desire for ruby is just as great today as it always has been. As a symbol of passion, ruby makes an ideal romantic gift. Consumers are drawn to the lush color because it also signifies wealth and success.