SECTION 8 Of the Ancient Practice of Painting

In Flatland, life is portrayed as rather dull, particularly from an aesthetic and artistic perspective. While the society faces typical human issues such as battles, conspiracies, and political unrest, these problems seem less engaging when compared to the rigid, geometric structure of their world. In Flatland, everything is a straight line, and visual experiences lack variety, restricted to brightness and obscurity. There are no landscapes or art forms as seen in Spaceland, making life, in an artistic sense, quite monotonous.

Historically, however, life was not always so lackluster. According to tradition, Colour—specifically the discovery and application of colour—once played a crucial role in brightening the lives of the inhabitants. This began when a Pentagon, whose name is debated, discovered the rudimentary process of painting and the components of simpler colours. Initially, he painted his house, slaves, family members, and eventually himself. This new form of decoration was both convenient and beautiful, and soon, Colour was adopted by society at large. The individual known as Chromatistes, as the most reliable sources agree, became an admired figure. His vibrant appearance made him stand out, and no one needed to feel or touch him to identify his front from his back. His presence was noticed instantly by others, and his movements were easy to predict, eliminating the confusion that often arises with the colourless beings like Squares and Pentagons. People respected him, and he garnered attention everywhere he went.

Chromatistes’ colourful frame made him highly visible and respected, a sharp contrast to the dullness of his colourless peers. His innovation in decoration created a new social dynamic where appearance influenced how one was perceived, celebrated, and respected. The story of Colour’s rise in Flatland reflects a moment of aesthetic flourishing that eventually faded, leaving behind a world where geometric uniformity reigns supreme once more.