World’s Blackest Ink You Can Buy Will Help Put Your Boldest Ideas On Paper
Image via Culture Hustle
The name Stuart Semple holds a special place in the hearts of the art industry. In a void-filled world ruled by Anish Kapoor, Semple’s open-source black stationery supplies paradoxically show the light. And now, there’s an ink version for the Edgar Allan Poes of this era.
If the metaphors are lost on you, it’s time to get acquainted with the tug o’ war surrounding the blackest pigments, the art world’s version of the fried chicken sandwich feud. When Kapoor secured exclusive rights to Vantablack in 2016, the then-blackest paint in the world, Semple avenged all other creators by launching ‘BLACK 2.0’, an acrylic paint that people could buy. Semple’s update to the paint, BLACK 3.0, was released in 2019.
Like Vantablack, BLACK 3.0 absorbs nearly 100% light. And now, Semple has adapted the pigment into what is billed as the blackest black ink in the world. Endearingly named ‘Blink’, it’s a “mega-matte” and “Stupidly Black” black ink ideal for use as calligraphy ink, and paint marker or brush pen fills.
Image via Culture Hustle
On top of that, Blink is described as “bleed-proof, waterproof [and] drip-proof,” so you can literally read your darkest ideas and weep, without damaging the work. Semple also recommends using the ink for outlining.
Image via Culture Hustle
Converting his formula into ink wasn’t as simple as putting pen to paper, however. The British artist told Fast Company that Blink is a “fundamentally different… potion,” plus the ink would need more flow. As such, over 1,000 variations of Blink were tested with artists for quality assurance, and the rest is history.
It’s worth noting that the black ink wouldn’t appear as dark alongside the blackest paints, since black on 2D surfaces doesn’t deliver the same depth-defying effects as black paint on 3D objects. Side by side with the ink of other black pens, though, Blink is a clear winner.
Image via Culture Hustle
30ml bottles of Blink are now available on the artist’s store, Culture Hustle, for US$15.99. Presumably, a little goes a long way.
Image via Culture Hustle
[via Fast Company, images via Culture Hustle
Also check out these recent news
