LADY IN RED BY LUZ CAMINO
There is a shade of red for every woman.
Audrey Hepburn
Red ochre, a natural pigment rich in iron, holds a special place in human history, with its use dating back as far as 300,000 years. First discovered in the Palaeolithic era, this warm, earthy hue has been a companion to mankind since the dawn of time.
Since then, the color red has painted history with its vibrant strokes: a trademark hue of power, divinity, valor, and celebration.
When I haven't any blue I use red.
Pablo Picasso
In Ancient Rome, the color red was associated with power and the military. Roman generals, during their triumphal processions, would wear a red cloak, fastened at one shoulder, known as the “paludamentum," a mark of high honor and authority.
The emperors, who were initially commanders of the army, adopted red as a symbol of their power. The use of red in this context was likely because the color was striking and could be easily seen during military parades and public appearances, epitomizing strength and leadership.
Red is the first color of spring. It's the real color of rebirth. Of beginning.
Ally Condie
In Christian symbolism, red is often associated with the blood of Christ and the sacrifice of martyrs. This is why cardinals in the Catholic Church wear red, as it represents their willingness to defend their faith until the last breath.
The symbolism of the color red in Tibetan Buddhism is deeply rooted in spiritual meanings and practices. Red is associated with life force and preservation, and it is believed that meditating on red can transform the delusion of attachment into the wisdom of discernment. This transformative aspect is central to Buddhist teachings on overcoming earthly attachments to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
There is certainly a red for everyone.
Christian Dior
During the Middle Ages, red dyes were among the most expensive and sought after, particularly those derived from the kermes and later the cochineal insects.
Kermes is a red dye obtained from the dried bodies of female scale insects in the genus Kermes, found in the Mediterranean and used by various ancient civilizations. Esteemed for its rich crimson color and color fastness in silk and wool, it was a prominent dye in the medieval era but later replaced by other red dyes such as cochinea.
These dyes produced a vibrant, lasting red, which became a symbol of wealth and status. Only the wealthy and nobility could afford such expensive dyes, making red clothing a status symbol in mediaeval European societies.
When in doubt, wear red.
Bill Blass
In many Asian cultures, red is a symbol of good luck, joy, and prosperity. In Chinese culture, for instance, red is the traditional color for brides and is used extensively in festivals and celebrations. The color is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
You’d find it easier to be bad than good if you had red hair... People who haven’t red hair don’t know what trouble is.
L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Beyond its historical and cultural significance, red has its share of quirky facts. In mediaeval folklore, red hair was often associated with witchcraft, and even today, red cars are said to be more likely to attract the attention of traffic police.
These red vine earrings by the incredible jewelry artist Luz Camino and paintings by Jacqueline Ostermann and Alisher Kushakov, demonstrate the power of red in art. The women in the paintings, adorned in red or juxtaposed against a red backdrop, become symbols of strength, emotion, passion and energy of life itself, transcending mere visual appreciation.
