Laboratory The Science of Colour

Laboratory The Science of Colour. On the occasion of International Day of Women and Girls in Science in February 2023, a group of mothers decided to enter the classrooms of our children to share some of our knowledge and, in addition, play with boys and girls eager to explore and learn.

An archaeologist, two doctors, an alchemist, and a textile artist came together to design a week of laboratories inspired by the legacy and feminine universe that surrounds us.

Mary Gartside, Emily Noyes Vanderpoel, Georgia O’Keeffe, among many other women who explored and researched colour in a sublime way, joined us one Thursday afternoon in the fun adventure of making primary colours travel through a journey of salt and glue.

It is not an easy task to find literature on female scientists who studied colour. We know that much of women’s writing has been anonymous and domestic. However, thanks to the internet and individuals interested in disseminating, compiling, and preserving the legacy of female thinkers, artists, and scientists, we are increasingly becoming familiar with names and works of great value.

Laboratory The Science of Colour

In the laboratory of The Science of Colour, we explored primary and secondary colours. as well as tones, saturation, and intensity. Young artists created a drawing which they covered with white glue and salt, then painted with droppers and enjoyed the journey of the coloured water.

Of course, the combinations have been extraordinary. Each piece was created by someone who is an expert in the subject. Or do you know any child who does not have extensive knowledge of colourimetry?

Leaves, castles, flowers, faces, dragons, and whales came to life one winter afternoon under the watchful gaze of future women who will contribute their own perspectives to various scientific disciplines, without having to compete over a gender-related issue.

María Teresa Toral already said it: “The obligation of the artist is to seek new means and open new paths”. So thanks to her and all our ancestors for opening paths with light, hope and knowledge.