Cadmium-Barium Red, Maroon 

Curator: Today, we’re examining “Cadmium-Barium Red, Maroon,” a pigment sample manufactured by The Harshaw Chemical Company. Editor: It strikes me as starkly beautiful, almost minimalist. The crimson powder held in glass, presented alongside its swatch. It's about pure material. Curator: Pigment production, particularly of cadmium-based colors, reflects significant industrial and scientific advancements, and its accessibility to artists highlights evolving social and economic structures. Editor: Absolutely, and the materiality itself points to larger shifts. Harshaw’s product represents the standardization and commodification of color. It raises questions about artistic labor versus industrial production. Curator: Indeed, considering the implications of these mass-produced materials on artistic practice enriches our viewing experience. Editor: Agreed, this pigment sample serves as a potent reminder of how profoundly industry shapes art.