Is white a colour or a non colour?

Having talked about the colour black in a previous post I thought it would be interesting to look at white. Monotones have been prominent in my own design work for a while possibly because I think I find it easier to intially see what's going on, particularly at the beginning of a new project or process. It also enables me to think with more clarity.

White

'A symbol of purity, truth, innocence and the sacred or divine.

White is the colour of Christian baptism, conformation.

Colour of spirituality and Sancitiy truth and revelation.

White for mourning in China, Rome.. white may also symbolise the deceased's initiation into a new existence.'

Quote from: The complete Dictionary of Symbols in myth, art and literature. Editor Jack Tressidder

Bone China tests

Anyone who managed to catch the three part series on BBC4 A History of Art in Three Colours: White was portrayed to be a controversial colour in art used to represent power strength and supremacy.

I'm currently exploring ideas based White whiteness, translucency, light and shadow, weightlessness and texture. Sasha and myself are currently starting work for the Chelsea Fringe Festival 2013 we are looking at concepts based around quietness.

White is fascinating as there are so many variations like any colour you have warm and cold tones or shades. White can move from grey to cream tones so layering white on white creates a subtle range, but it's important to find the correct shade to create an impact within the site, taking into consideration other colours are going to be introduced once it's finally positioned.

Here are some embryonic work in progress ideas...

Fabric tests on site to see how light is diffused through various materials.