An active element that is based on an electret emulsion and that comprises particles of pre-polarized electret material as emulsion in neutral liquid and both poles of the particles are colored with different colors. For producing a neutral carrier liquid for the active element liquid fluorine carbon is used. For producing electret material for the active element solid polymerised fluorine carbon or electret wax is used. The active element is used for producing visual matrix displays, indicators, surfaces and surface coatings that change color by the application of a control voltage.