Red-ochre is a natural earth pigment and its use can be traced throughout the history of mankind. It is obtained from iron (ferric oxide, hematite) containing clay. Red-ochre paint is the one of the most prominent materials used in ceremonial magic rituals during Palaeolithic period nomads as well as at Neolithic and Mesolithic periods. The use of red is associated with re-birth archetype in all mythological religions. In 19th century colour symbolism, during Romantic period, red was again on stage as light. Roots of Romantic Colour Symbolism go back to the middle ages and to Paganism, mentioned in myths of Ancient Egypt, China and India. In that context, colours were evolved to represent dilemmas such as black-white, evil-good, dark-light as observed in Zoroastrianism (Portal, 1845, p.4,8). Contemporary artists, that recaptured responsibility towards nature use human body and soil as materials as well as blood and clay for pigments for their performances. The disconnection of art and vitality has initiated a response to create a conceptual link between humanity, earth and body. As a result contemporary art that emerged during post-industrial system, which systemically criticized capitalism, connected to primeval instincts and behaviour. This is in agreement with the theory of Carl Jung (1875-1961) as he proposed perpetuity of mythology.

Red, anthropology, archetype, earth art, body art