Chroma. A Book about Color

«Chroma» — reflections on the diversity of color by the famous British director and artist Derek Jarman (1942-1994). In this book, written in 1993, a year before his death, the visually impaired Jarman uses all the resources of writing in an attempt to convey the complex and elusive aspect of the subject, regarding which he has accumulated a lifetime of experience. In his characteristic style — a lyrical blend of classical theory, anecdotal storytelling, and poetry — Jarman guides the reader through the color spectrum, presenting each color as an embodiment of emotions, awakening memories and dreams. He explains the use of color in visual art — from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and modernists, refers to great color theorists — from Pliny the Elder to Leonardo, and writes about the significance of color in literature, science, philosophy, psychology, religion, and alchemy.