Inside the Art World's Color War

The art world witnessed an unexpected controversy that feels more like a saga pulled from a futuristic novel: the battle over Vantablack. But what is Vantablack?

Vantablack Explained

This tale of artistic rivalry, innovation, and creativity began when engineers at Surrey NanoSystems developed Vantablack, a super-black coating material so dark it absorbs 99.96% of visible light, creating an abyssal void to any observer's eye.

The Genesis of the Feud

Vantablack's inception was a technological marvel aimed at aerospace and optics, but its potential for artistic application captured the imagination of many, including famed sculptor Anish Kapoor. His exclusive deal to use Vantablack in art sparked a debate about the monopolization of material.

The community erupted when Kapoor secured exclusive rights to its artistic use, leading to an unparalleled feud that questions the nature of art, ownership, and innovation.

Petty Pinkest Pink

The reaction was swift and vibrant. Artists worldwide voiced their discontent, leading British artist Stuart Semple to create the Pinkest Pink, a pigment he made available to everyone except Kapoor. This act wasn't just about creating a new color, but a statement on the openness and shared nature of artistic tools and materials. Semple's creation and the stipulation accompanying its sale highlighted the communal ethos many believe should define the art world.

Beyond Colors: The Bigger Picture

The Vantablack vs. Pinkest Pink feud delves into the ethics of exclusivity and the role of materials in artistic creation. While Kapoor's exclusive rights to Vantablack spurred outrage, the incident spurred a broader discussion on innovation, collaboration, and the boundaries of artistic expression. Semple's response, including his development of Black 2.0 as an open alternative to Vantablack, embodies the belief in a collective artistic heritage that should be accessible to all creators.

"You can paint with this stuff, and it's nontoxic, and it's affordable," Semple said, according to Wired. "It Black 2.0 even — no kidding — smells like black cherry. And, of course, down there in the fine print you'll find: not available to Anish Kapoor."

References: Art Fight! The Pinkest Pink Versus the Blackest Black | Is Vantablack Really the Blackest Black?