Their Dark Materials

Kapoor vs Semple

The rivalry between Anish Kapoor and Stuart Semple over Vantablack highlights the tension between exclusivity and accessibility in the art world. Semple, frustrated by Kapoor's exclusive rights to Vantablack, decided to create and share his own vibrant pigments, including the "pinkest pink," with a playful restriction barring Kapoor from using them 1. This move sparked a social media feud, with Kapoor defiantly posting a photo of his middle finger dipped in Semple's pink, igniting widespread support for Semple's open-source art movement 2.

I would ban Anish Kapoor from using my pink.

--- Stuart Semple

In response, Semple developed "Black 3.0," a super black paint accessible to all artists except Kapoor, further challenging the notion of artistic exclusivity 2.

   

Art and Exclusivity

The Vantablack controversy underscores broader themes of exclusivity and access in the art world. Anish Kapoor, renowned for his work with voids and color, secured exclusive rights to Vantablack, a decision that sparked debate over artistic freedom and accessibility 3. Despite criticism, Kapoor's fascination with the interplay of color and space made him a fitting candidate for this unique material.

There is, in a way, a constant, continuous process that gives up the same questions.

--- Anish Kapoor

Meanwhile, Stuart Semple continues to challenge exclusivity by releasing pigments like "Pink TM," targeting corporate monopolies, and advocating for open access to artistic materials 4.