Watch a video on the cochineal, a tiny insect that brings a bright red pigment to art, clothing, and even food.

This week’s focus on red emojis was based on an interest in highlighting the pervasive use of the color both in the digital realm and in the objects in our collection. Artists and makers have tested and created various methods of extracting the vibrant hue from natural materials, such as cinnabar, ochre, and cochineal beetles, and advancements in synthetic pigments beginning in the nineteenth century are responsible for the plethora of shades that are commercially available today as dyes and paints. Red itself is a color often associated with strong emotions, like passion, love, or anger, and is often used in food company logos due to its ability to catch one’s eye and stimulate an appetite. As we consider the evolution of red—from natural pigments to digital icons—we’re reminded of how color continues to shape our perceptions and experiences, both online and in everyday life.


Emojis

Seeing Red!

Art Links