Color Transforms: The Tie-dye Shirt Phenomenon

Color has a rather under-glorified role in society today. Many think of it as something that would definitely be noticed if absent from every day life, but certainly not a thing to be marveled at from day to day. Perhaps to marvel would be a bit much, but surely a bit of notice is merited to the noble form of expression that is color.
Lauer and Pentak discuss in their book Design Basics the importance that color holds for us in the world, saying “color appeals to our emotions and feelings”. With design being a form of communication between multiple parties, it makes sense that no way of expression would be left unused by the designer in his/her attempt to bring an idea to light or across the space between the producer and consumer of the design. Color is one of those methods of expression. And it may mean different things for different cultures or generations, but without color, we as players in the game of life would have a more difficult time expressing how we feel, what we see, not to mention combining the two to make art. Plus, the world would be a pretty boring one if washed in grayscale!

Color and design can also be a form of communication from person to person not only in the professional setting of producer/consumer. Between one generation and another, color can be an explosion of opinion and voice for those who need a way to express frustration or even dissension. The tie-dye shirt was an outburst from the younger generation in the late 1960s, as a visual way of communicating opinions and the belief that they needed to shake things up!
“Tie-dye came back in style in the 1960's when a great movement emerged among young people that emphasized individuality. It was time to "do your own thing." Each person could make a statement by tie-dyeing clothes with a personal combination. Tie-dyed sheets were used as room dividers and wall hangings. Silk and cotton banners were used as backdrops for rock and roll concerts” (http://www.harmonytie-dyes.com/_special/history.html)

Colors evoke and inspire communication, but they can also be the form it takes. For some who have a quieter voice than others in this world, color can be the most important thing; the thing that enables them to show their true selves,beliefs, and thoughts to the rest of humanity. Design and color can work together to reach a mutual goal, but can also work separately. Either way, both can be a method of expressing freedom!