Have you heard of Anish Kapoor’s Vantablack? Or “the blackest black in the world”? Discover its history and origins.
The Origins of Vantablack: The Blackest Black in the World
Vantablack is not a pigment, but a carbon nanotube coating. It was developed in 2014 by the British company Surrey NanoSystems for space and military applications, particularly optical instruments on satellites. It absorbs 99.96% of visible light. As a result, it distorts perception: when applied to a three-dimensional object, it gives the impression of a flat surface when viewed with the naked eye.
An exclusive feature on visual artist Anish Kapoor
In 2016, visual artist Anish Kapoor obtained an exclusive license from Surrey NanoSystems for the blackest black in the world. The license covers artistic use: no other artist may use it. The amount of the agreement has never been made public.
Anish Kapoor’s monopoly on Vantablack has caused quite a stir. A campaign was launched on Instagram called #ShareTheBlack.
The Response to Vantablack's Exclusivity
In late 2016, in response, artist Stuart Semple released “the pinkest pink” (Pinkest Pink). Anyone can buy it—except… Anish Kapoor!
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