O Bitumen 1 1927

Curator: Here we have "O Bitumen 1", a pigment manufactured by Winsor & Newton, likely around 1927. Editor: It's so unassuming, yet it holds a world of potential, like a tiny, bottled galaxy waiting to explode onto a canvas. Curator: Indeed. Bitumen, historically derived from asphalt, presents intriguing textural possibilities, allowing for deep, glossy shadows but alas, known for its archival instability, and thus, prone to cracking. Editor: The label is so cool, it gives me a sense of history, an artisan's touch, and also a reminder of time's passage. Curator: The chromatic scale is useful when analyzing the value of pigment, however I will always see Bitumen's inherent flaws. Editor: Ah, but perhaps those imperfections are what make it beautiful. It has certainly given me a new perspective.