Oblig:
From Vantablack’s website:
Can I use Vantablack in Art?
Vantablack is generally not suitable for use in art due to the way in-which it’s made. Vantablack S-VIS also requires specialist application to achieve its aesthetic effect. In addition, the coating’s performance beyond the visible spectrum results in it being classified as a dual-use material that is subject to UK Export Control. We have therefore chosen to license Vantablack S-VIS exclusively to Kapoor Studios UK to explore its use in works of art. This exclusive licence limits the coating’s use in the field of art, but does not extend to any other sectors.
I went to an Anish Kapoor exhibition a couple of years ago, and liked one of the pieces that looked like this:
At first sight it looked like a black rectangle stuck onto a pillar. However, although the black was utterly featureless, I realised that it was a rectangular hole whose interior was painted an utter black. I couldn’t see anything of the size, shape or texture of the interior, even when I put my face right up to it. That was weird: being close enough to breathe on it, while being unable to see anything about it at all. I wanted to touch it, but wasn’t allowed.
