Minimalism is enticing in all its varied forms. Even the most complicated thoughts, expressions, actions, forms and designs can look beautiful within minimal representation. I hereby confess my love for all things black & white.
It all started with a cinematic love for the ‘B&W’ and grew into almost everything B&W. Let’s begin with memories. I hardly relate to the passion behind a memory, just as profoundly as I do when it’s captured in the classic composition of B&W. It automatically adds a serene nostalgic experience for the viewer to dive in and live that particular moment captured in the form of a visual. Photographs are a common medium for archiving memoirs. And needless to say they are most beautifully captured in B&W. Richard Avedon would agree with me on this. An era or simply a random moment becomes expansive with this color palette. Every wrinkle on the face appears to convey more than just the test of time and each fold of a garment creates depth. So many words spoken, but often like a whisper in the ear.
When it comes to design, B&W carries an intrinsic ability to convey a sharp outlook which is naturally impactful. Be it a bold black font on a plain white background or a classic Kodak Stripe on a product. Advertisers have long been using this classic combination to drive maximum attention with minimum effort for brands that have a minimal identity. A very recent example is Ray Ban. This clearly defines ‘cool’ in a B&W palette.
Couture again is no different a category. Coco Chanel’s classics have been best served in B&W. SS13 brings B&W as one of the most important trends for the coming season. Marc Jacobs has a whole runway collection lined up in B&W. From patterns, prints to textures and surface ornamentation this trend is a hit this season. It also incorporates a whole lot of freedom into dressing stylish. It’s a no fuss combination, it is very simple in fact, and yet it is highly impactful as a fashion statement.
And cinema, well.. any classic film is beautiful. But classics in B&W have an enigmatic charm. The pleasure is enhanced by the very movement of a character on screen. Every scene is gorgeous, every composition is picturesque and the music becomes distinctly rhythmic. Even a background score suddenly seems to delve you in to the experience. I have enjoyed every genre in B&W- drama, horror, action, thriller, romance or comedy. All these genres tend to take on a different frequency in B&W. From every giggle to a fit of rage, a shriek to a gentle whisper, every act becomes beautiful. And beauty by its means, does not really limit itself to sweet expressions. In fact the iconic bathroom murder scene from Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ has a grave sense of beauty second to none. Even in contemporary times, the Oscar winning silent movie- ‘The Artist’ would not have been half as fascinating, had it been in color.
It’s definitely a rare pleasure. A pleasure that enlightens a dull day or sometimes simply adds value to entertainment.
THE INDIAN AESTHETE 