By strict definition, Blue is a color. But anyone that’s ever had the blues knows better. Since the times of the Ancient Greeks, blue has had a direct connection with sadness. It was thought that rain, were the tears of the god Zeus. And as much as blue represents sadness it can represent optimism. Who can feel down on a day of clear, blue skies? And there lies the beautiful contradiction of a color like blue. It can be as sad as it is happy.

For thousands of years, people have speculated that there’s some correlation between sadness and creativity. As an artist I’ve grappled with the concept myself. Most of my heroes made their best work while under some spell of intense depression. You know the saying, if you’re at the cutting edge, then you’re going to bleed.
This issue we explored blue from all angles to get to the core of what’s getting our generation so down. We explore the work of Art and Aesthetic Aces Daniel Arsham, Mark Boellaard and Mike Reedy. Not to get too preachy, but Politics has us thinking in red and blue states. Whether watching the throne, or watching politicians bicker, talking points have us blue. Although money is green, consumerism is blue. Whether it’s Facebook or American Express, companies have found a way to symbolically keep us coming back for good ol’ consumerism. Finally we pay homage to our generation’s princess of angst, Amy Winehouse in a special tribute featuring portraits by myself and Corinne Stevie.

This issue also features interviews with Def Sound, Iggy Azalea and Toro Y Moi, who’s featured on the cover illustrated by Thomars. Click here to get your copy of Issue #6 of Art Nouveau Magazine.

 

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