Black, Ivoire extra 

Curator: The work before us is "Black, Ivoire extra," manufactured by Le Franc. My first impression is how contained it is. It's like a dark secret bottled up. Editor: That's interesting. I see the black pigment itself as a symbol of resistance, particularly when we consider the historical use of black in art and its associations with race, power, and even mourning. Curator: Yes, that's insightful. And "Ivoire extra," hints at the complicated history of ivory trade and its links to colonialism. The label itself feels like an artifact. Editor: Precisely. Black is more than a color here. It’s a statement about the materials, the manufacturer and the historical context that surrounds it. Curator: I agree. It asks us to consider what is omitted, what is hidden, and the power dynamics implicit in the act of representation. Editor: The Le Franc company history itself could be interpreted as a commentary on the industrialization and commodification of art materials. Curator: That gives me a new way to appreciate a pigment's cultural weight. Editor: Indeed, symbols can be found everywhere.