Chromatic Analysis of the Collective Unconscious: Analytical Psychology Applied to the Art of Antônio Bandeira
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23738/180107Keywords:
Collective unconscious, Analytical psychology, Chromatic analysis, psychodynamics of colorAbstract
Since the dawn of humanity, colors have exerted fascination and influence on the psyche, yet few studies explore their symbolism through the lens of analytical psychology. This research aimed to investigate the extent to which predominant colors in abstract artworks can be interpreted as projections of the collective unconscious. The study is grounded in the premise that artistic choices transcend conscious intent, carrying archetypal meanings. To test this hypothesis, the works of Brazilian painter Antônio Bandeira (1922–1967), a pioneer of lyrical abstractionism in Brazil, were analyzed. A qualitative interpretive methodology was adopted, structured in four stages: (1) artist and artwork selection; (2) extraction of the predominant color palette using specialized software; (3) historical contextualization of the Zeitgeist; and (4) symbolic interpretation of colors. The analysis revealed significant patterns: earthy tones associated with archetypes of connection to the land; deep blues evoking transcendence; and vibrant yellow accents, suggesting creative energy. These choices not only reflected avant-garde techniques but also engaged with the cultural climate of the 1950s—a period of reconstruction and the search for new artistic languages in Brazil. Furthermore, the predominance of organic colors over industrial hues reinforced a symbolic connection to nature, aligning with Brazil’s broader cultural emphasis on territorial identity. The study concludes that chromatic analysis, when integrated with analytical psychology, offers a robust method for deciphering symbolic layers in abstract art. In Bandeira’s case, colors transcend aesthetic function, becoming visual narratives of the collective psyche of his era. This interdisciplinary approach paves the way for future studies bridging art history, semiotics, and analytical psychology, enriching our understanding of creative processes.
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