Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

What is pigment?

What is pigment?

A pigment is a material that changes the color of light by selectively absorbing certain wavelengths and reflecting others. Unlike phosphorescence or fluorescence, where materials emit light, pigments work by altering the light that passes through or is reflected from them. In art, pigments are chosen for their special properties, such as high tinting strength, making them ideal for coloring various materials.

Offset Print

Offset lithography is a printing technique where the inked image is first transferred (offset) from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface. This method combines the lithographic process, which relies on the repulsion of water and oil, to keep non-printing areas ink-free by attracting a water-based film. Offset lithography was originally developed to reduce costs in reproducing artwork and is widely used for high-volume printing due to its efficiency and ability to produce sharp, consistent images.

Anti-art

Anti-Art refers to artwork that challenges traditional definitions of art. The term is often attributed to artist Marcel Duchamp, who pioneered the use of readymades—everyday objects presented as art. These works defied conventional expectations that art should adhere to traditional or high art standards.

Crayon

Crayon is a French word that means pencil. In art, a crayon is a stick made of colored wax, chalk, charcoal, or clay used for drawing and coloring. Crayons are typically made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, coal, or wood. Types of crayons include wax crayons, pastel crayons, and oil pastels.

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