Houghton Chemical's Pastel Tanks — A Lesson in Color Perception

 

Here’s a lesson in color perception found in my own neighborhood. I recently photographed these pastel tanks in Allston, Massachusetts. I pass them regularly while on the Mass Pike, and I’m consistently surprised by them. They’re so incongruous with the landscape of Boston, which, in my mind, is primarily brown, brick red & Celtics green.

I googled “pastel pillars Allston” and found this article from The Boston Globe. The tanks belong to Houghton Chemical. The color palette was selected by the company’s staff in the 1960s and has stayed the same ever since.

In 2005 the owner said, “There is an expectation in people’s minds that industry is ugly. Therefore we wanted it to be an artwork ... There’s no reason other than to spread beauty and joy”.

Photos by Sophia Naureen Ahmad

 

COLOR PALETTE — Turin, Italy

 

Color inspiration from my travels in Italy last January —

These photos were taken in Turin’s city center, near the Palazzo Reale, or Royal Palace of Turin. Known as the Detroit of Italy, Turin is a northern town famous for its auto industry.

I spent a cold winter day there, observing the city’s palette before my train left at dusk. In my memory, the colors feel still, gentle, refined and sweet. It felt fitting when I learned that Turin was the birthplace of giandjuja, the chocolate hazelnut paste that inspired Nutella.

Palazzo Reale di Torino Turin Italy Color Palette Pastels
 
 
Turin Italy Torino Color Palette Pastels Staircase Light
 
 
Palazzo Reale di Torino Turin Italy Neutral Palette Furniture
 
 
Palazzo Reale di Torino Turin Italy Neutral Palette Furniture
 
 
Palazzo Reale di Torino Turin Italy Green Lawn Chair
Palazzo Reale d Torino- Turin Italy - Green Lawn Chair
 
 
Palazzo Reale di Torino Turin Italy Green Marble Pastel
 
 
Palazzo Reale di Torino Turin Italy Blue Sconce Candle
Palazzo Reale di Torino Turin Italy Blue Door
 
 
Turin Italy Color Palette Study Pastels
 

COLOR PALETTE — Bologna, Italy

 

Since moving to Milan last fall, I’ve been itching to travel all over Italy. I’ve spent some time in Florence and Venice, but what really interests me are the smaller towns.

Many cities in Italy have a unique visual identity, and color plays an important role in that. Even though I love to learn about each city’s history, I prefer to read very little about it before I visit. This allows my first impressions to be mostly visual and atmospheric.

Bologna is known as "La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa" (The Learned, The Fat, The Red). Fitting for a city with a rich history of academics, food, and anti-fascist movements. Red also refers to the terracotta-colored brick widely used in the city's architecture.

 
 

Brooklyn Color

 

I took these photos on a recent Sunday stroll through my neighborhood, Crown Heights. 

I don't know what it is about Brooklyn. The color I see here is unlike anything I've seen in any other place. It's been my home for the past five years, and my eye is still surprised when I walk down the street. I'm bound to find something odd or delightful, or both.

You feel a strong sense of history here, the touch of many human hands. So many layers, all smooshed together and painted over. The buildings on my block alone resemble a line of toy blocks, some brand new, others well-worn with time and love. I suppose that's the feeling I'm trying to capture.

Brooklyn Color
Brooklyn Color
Brooklyn Color
Brooklyn Color
 

Studies in Color & Light