Anish Kapoor's portrait

The black acrylic paint Anish Kapoor can’t use

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)

Black 3.0 is a black acrylic paint that absorbs between 98 and 99% of visible light; everyone can buy it, except Anish Kapoor

Black acrylic paint is super black thanks to Stuart Semple and Black 3.0. You apply it with the basic tools that we know: brush or paintbrush, spray or roller. Notedly, the invention is used by anyone, except Anish Kapoor.

The black acrylic paint Anish Kapoor can’t use
Courtesy: Stuart Semple


The controversial Vantablack paint

“By adding this product to the cart you confirm that you are not Anish Kapoor… That you are not in any way affiliated with Anish Kapoor… And that you will not buy this item on behalf of Anish Kapoor or any associate of Anish Kapoor. To the best of your knowledge, information and belief this material will not make its way into the hands of Anish Kapoor.”

The black acrylic paint Anish Kapoor can’t use
Courtesy: Stuart Semple

This battle started in 2016, and, consequently, several artists joined the protest with the hashtag #ShareTheBlack. They manifested their support against the color monopoly.

As a result, Kapoor uploaded a photo to his Instagram nodding to the creation of Vantablack. British artist Stuart Semple responded by creating “The world’s pinkest pink.” Anyone can purchase it in his online store, except Anish Kapoor.

The world’s pinkest pink
Courtesy: Stuart Semple

Additionally, one of the peculiarities is that it creates a black hole effect when applied to three-dimensional objects. Equally important is that Black 3.0 was created in response to Anish Kapoor and the purchase of Vantablack. Certainly, he got the rights so that no one else could make use of the ultra-black paint.

The black acrylic paint Anish Kapoor can’t use
Courtesy: Stuart Semple

Above all, the goal was to reach a “super flat” and mate black that absorbed the highest percentage of visible light. Certainly, they noticed that all the black colors were reflective and had a little brightness during the creation process. They worked on making an improved and less bright version of its predecessor “Black 2.0.”

We know it’s a ridiculous battle but, surely, entertaining. The true “winners” are those who use the pigments to get the world’s blackest black or pinkest pink. Just head to their Kickstarter campaign to find out all the details.

Translated by Paula Villanueva

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)