The Psychology of Color in Kingshuk Bose’s Photography
By Justin Guo
This article was inspired by Ohanga Creative Kingshuk Bose’s photography.
You can browse more of Bose’s artwork in the Ohanga Market.
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Kingshuk Bose’s paintings “Tranquility,” “Dusk,” and “Serenity” demonstrate the power of color in photography and its psychological effects.
The main objects of focus in “Tranquility” are a collection of white buildings, huddled by the sea. The only light in the photograph comes from the fading sun in the background and a few warm yellow lights turned on inside of the buildings. The rest of the image is shrouded in a shade of dark blue and the skies are overcast with clusters of clouds.
While the photograph can evoke a feeling of calm, it can also be interpreted as wistful, sad, or possibly unsettling, depending on the emotional state of the viewer. There is something a little eerie yet beautiful about the photograph; the blue is a sharp and defined shade, and the lights in the buildings starkly contrast the dark colors in the photograph. All of this aligns with the psychology of the color blue, which is commonly associated with calmness, serenity—or, tranquility.
“Dusk” features the silhouettes of a row of boats, with their masts poking into the evening sky. The sky is mostly empty, save for a thin layer of clouds that almost blends in with the shadows of masts from the boats. The sky is a gradient of grayish purple, which gradually morphs into a gentle shade of tangerine and blood red.
Although “Dusk” can evoke calmness and serenity like Tranquility, the colors create an active, alert mood. The psychology of orange, which characterizes orange as energetic and attention-grabbing, supports this idea. The red does a lot of work in giving off an active vibe as well; it almost feels abrasive or hostile after looking at the photograph for an extended period. The sunlight breathes energy into the photograph and gives it life, in contrast to the cooler, quieter “Tranquility.”
“Serenity” stands in sharp contrast to both of the previous photographs. It is a bright, open picture of a lake with lots of surrounding green scenery. The sky is a beautiful mix of light blue and orange, gently polluted with light gray-white clouds. A reflection of the sky shines in the still, calm water.
This photo almost comes across as a mix between “Dusk” and “Tranquility.” It feels expansive; the combination of the calmness from blue and the upbeat energy from orange result in a perfect color palette that creates an inviting, relaxing photograph. The natural light further develops these upbeat and positive vibes, especially compared to the dark, moodier overtones present in the other two photos. There is a sense of childlike joy that arises in Serenity; the viewer can easily imagine themself sitting on the sand and staring at the scenery for hours, appreciating the changing colors of the sunset.