CMN System

Colours can change: they can transform; they can become brighter or darker, or move closer to whiteor black. They can become more transparent or reflective. The purpose of the Italian CMN-86 colour system dating from 1986 was to make a visual record of how and why colours appear, change and disappear. The basis of the construction is a tetrahedron. This single tetrahedron can be combined with others and thus clear the way for the complete range of spacial models required not only to express the origins of all colours, but also reflect the intentions of the observer. (Detailed text)


Date: The colour system was presented in Venice in 1986.

Country of origin: Italy

Basic colours: The effect on colours of reflection and transparency is at the forefront of this system—a factor that is not considered by other colour-ordering systems.

Form: Tetrahedral space

Related systems: Pythagoras, Aristoteles, Platon

Bibliography: N. Silvestrini, «Sistema di Colori / Color Order Systems», Exhibition on the Biennale in Venice, 1986.