Raven Black Oxide 

Curator: This is a photograph of "Raven Black Oxide," a manufactured pigment sample produced by C.K. Williams & Co. Editor: Stark! The composition feels very clinical, almost forensic in its presentation. Curator: Yes, consider the interplay of textures: the smoothness of the glass jar, the granular quality of the pigment inside, and the matte surface of the color calibration chart. Editor: Given the historical context, I wonder about the labor practices employed by C.K. Williams & Co. Who were the workers involved in producing this pigment, and what were their working conditions? Curator: An important question. Regardless, the visual language here prioritizes precision and standardization, reflecting an interest in the objective measurement of color. Editor: Precisely. It speaks volumes about the industrialization of art and its materials. Curator: Indeed. It’s a fascinating object when viewed through a lens of materiality and industrial processes. Editor: Definitely, the image of this seemingly simple jar of pigment triggers many interesting questions about industry and labor.