Introducing Rose Quartz & Serenity: Pantone's Colors of 2016

Words:
Alexandra Jagodzinski

15/01/2016
2016 art color of the year colors of the year fashion gender equality graffiti home decor interior design miami mural murals new york city pantone rose quartz serenity station 16 gallery street art venice beach

Photo by WERC

Pantone threw a curveball this year, announcing that 2016 will not have one, but two colors of the year. A first in Pantone history, the company revealed that 2016 will be all about Rose Quartz and Serenity (think baby blue and baby pink). While each color leads to immediate associations with a specific gender, the combination of colors aims to challenge conventional stereotypes and establish a more fluid approach to color usage and gender identity.

The soft colors are also intended to have a calming effect on consumers amidst the constant stress of modern day life. “Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace” (www.pantone.com).

To promote the colors, Pantone worked with creative agency Crewest Studio to organize the creation of three murals across the United States. Each with a unique approach and style, the three murals highlight the symbolic combination of rose quartz and serenity

Mural by Man One in Venice Beach, California (photo by Pantone)

Artist Man One created the first of the series in Venice Beach, California. While the concept for Man One’s mural is consistent with his graffiti background, the pastel colors are uncharacteristic for the artist. The outcome creates an interesting juxtaposition between the aggressive style and gentle color palette.

Mural by Victor Quinonez in Miami, Florida (photo by Pantone)

In Miami, Victor Quinonez painted a mural inspired by rose quartz and serenity. Quinonez’ mural is the only one of the three to not exclusively showcase rose quartz and serenity. However, they are key colors in his mural and demonstrate that the colors can be naturally and beautifully used alongside each other in art, fashion, design.

Mural by WERC in New York City (photo by WERC)

Finishing of the series was WERC, who created an incredible surreal mural in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City.

While the colors have a presence in urban art, the combination is also appearing across fashion, fine art, design, and home décor. Below, we highlight some of our favorite examples of the 2016 colors of the year.