Throughout art history, each color has its individual story and origin. Whether found from Nature’s bounty, or by accident, the use of pigments can be traced to Stone Age cave paintings. Blue, the rarest color found in nature, has been revered by cultures and people for its spiritual and mysterious properties. Adelson Galleries invites you to explore the mysticism that this color embodies.

As a pigment, it has a much shorter history than its other colorful counterparts. Blue’s first use began with the discovery of lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone ground to form a rich pigment. The process of turning the mineral into usable pigment was no simple feat, involving an elaborate and laborious process that resulted in the extremely sought-after ultramarine, priced higher than gold. It is no coincidence then that this exceptional and prized pigment has been chosen to represent Royal and Holy figures throughout Art History.

The symbolism of blue has affected history, cultures, and even the human psyche. This opulent hue can be evocative of serenity, which is instantly felt viewing Christina Painter’s graceful cyanotypes. It is also associated with spirituality and divine truth, masterfully showcased in Winfred Rembert’s tooled leather church scene. The more conspicuous symbolism of water and the heavens is expertly captured in the vast and dimensional landscape paintings of Jorge Cavelier.

Adelson Galleries is pleased to present Blue, a group show that we hope will evoke all of the positive and contemplative sentiments associated with the color. We encourage you to pause, reflect, and understand the deeper meaning and rich history the color blue embodies.