Technically....black is not a color. It's the absorption of all colors in the spectrum. Likewise, white is not a color, it's the reflection of all colors in the spectrum. If I'm wrong, someone correct me please. But from what I studied in chemistry, that's what it is.
Interesting post. I remember my art teacher used to say in everything there is color, there is no such thing as white or black in objects. She was also true to form in what she spoke because she would not allow us to use the 'color' black or white in any of our paintings. In legal terms, black and white are colors.
Yes, black is a colour. Black pigment absorbs the entire spectrum (not really, but close enough to be called black. If that was true, black wouldn't show anything reflecting off it, and it all does (don't believe me? Project something onto anything black and you'll see it if the projector is bright enough (making the image smaller will help if it's not). It won't be nearly as clear as on a white screen, of course.
Black is a unique colour, because you can't have black lighting. That is to say you can't project or add black. Black is a colour that is only possible as a subtractive colour. However, white is only really possible as an additive colour (white paints really make a new surface, they don't add white as such). Therefore, if you wish to claim black isn't a colour (which I believe it is), you'd have to say the same of white.
Xtra, you sound like a university scholar already. Oh, by the way.... here is another question...
Which one stands out more to you... white or black?
Before you jump to answer, think about it...
- would you rather wear a white or black dress?
- how about car?
- how about a table, chair, etc?
For me, something black will have more impact to me than white. For instance a woman in a black jacket will catch my attention more than a white blouse