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.

Avant-garde

Avant-garde refers to innovative and experimental ideas in the arts that challenge established norms and conventions. Originating from the French term for advance guard, it describes both the movement and the artists who push the boundaries of creativity, often exploring new techniques, forms, and concepts. The avant-garde has been a driving force in various art movements throughout history, such as Dadaism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism, continually reshaping the landscape of art and culture.

Resin

Resin can be derived from both natural sources, such as pine sap, and synthetic processes. Natural resin comes from tree sap, while synthetic resin is a type of dense, easily molded plastic. Resin is commonly used in sculpture, and it can also enhance the vibrancy of paint colors.

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