Surrounded Islands by Christo and Jeanne-Claude (1983)

The color pink is named after the flowering plants of the Dianthus species due to its pink shade and frilled edge. The word pink referring to the colour was first used in A Book of Drawing, Limning, Washing (1652) by Thomas Jenner. He explained how to make all sorts colours, grind and lay them as an art media. In 19th century France, the fashion was for boys to wear pink ribbons, pink being considered a stronger and more definite colours when girls wore blue ribbons as the colour was dainty and pretty. In the western world, children were dressed in white and equally wore pink fashion accessories up to the 1940s and by the 1950s, pink was starting to be associated with girls and femininity. During the Second World War, men imprisoned because of their homosexuality had to wear a pink triangle. This symbol was later reclaimed, turned upside down and rendered in hot pink by the gay community worldwide and is now worn with pride. In reference to symbols, it is interesting to note that no flag bears the colour pink.

The colour represents compassion, nurturing and love: the softer the pink, the more tenderness and romanticism it portrays whereas deeper tones convey more passion and intensity. It is a reassuring and calming colour and is said to inspire warmth and positive thinking. Pink often represents sweetness and is associated with innocence and sometimes immaturity especially the pastel pink tones. It  combines beautifully with blues while it adds a touch of elegant sophistication when associated with greys.

Low Tide by Paul Henry (1915-1916)

 PALE: Arbustus pink, aurore pink, baby pink- Baker-Miller pink, blush, cameo pink, candy pink, chalk pink, champagne pink, dusty rose, orchid pink, rose quartz, salmon pink, shell pink, tea-rose pink

MODERATE: Carnation pink, charm pink, cherry blossom pink, Congo pink, desert rose, dogwood rose, flamingo pink; hydrangea, old rose, rose, silver pink

DARK: Amaranth, cherry, China rose,  fushia,  hot pink, magenta, Mexican rose,  tango pink, shocking pink

IN THE WORLD OF INTERIORS

The 18th Century French style Rococo made strong use of pastel colours such as Cameo pink. One of the central figures of this artistic movement and advocate of style was the Marquise de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV. Her influence was such that the royal manufactory in Sévres created a new colour for its fine porcelains called the “Pompadour pink”.
For their part, Georgian architects favoured dusty pink in the late 19th century England, Ireland and America. Boudoirs and ante rooms with decorated in pinks with flat or old white as complimentary tones. Soft and pale pinks came back in fashion in Edwardian homes where fresh, light colours gave a true feminine touch to interiors. Pink pastels created a delicate setting in 1950s decor when candy pink was the favorite colour. For a gentle pink, try Calamine by Farrow and Ball or Antoinette by Annie Sloan.

OUT THERE NOW

• A pink ribbon, symbol of breast cancer awareness
• The Pink Panther
• Marshmallows, one of my favorite sweet!
• The 1950s inspired SMEG fridge-freezer in pink
• Sterling silver and leather jewelry by designers Filip Vanas and Yvonne Beale
• Rosé wines of which the color varies from a pale salmon pink to a raspberry red depending on the grape varieties.

IN THE NATURAL WORLD

Pitaya is the fruit of a number of cactus species native to Central and South America. It is commomly found in Asia and is called dragon fruit there. Indian Figs also known in French as ‘figue de Barbarie’ are from the same family and grow in the Mediterranean area. Its skin color ranges from a medium to a dark pink. Pink Flamingoes are mainly found in the southern hemisphere. The most widespread species, the greater flamingo can be seen in southern Europe including the Camargue region of France.