Light as matter: natural structural colour in art

Abstract

Abstract Structural coloration is the production of colour by micro- or nano-structures fine enough to interfere with visible light. Structural colouration is responsible for the blues and greens of many animals, as well as for the gold, silver, and some purple-pink colours. These are often saturated and might be extremely shimmering and/or iridescent. The study of structural coloration is an active and interdisciplinary field of research where biology, physics and engineering meet. However, the fascination of humans for stunning structural colours is broader than the framework of science. Here, I provide a series of examples of the use of natural structurally coloured materials in art across the ages and places. I argue that the view from ethnozoology is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of structural coloration.

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