The Impossible Blue: How an Artist Recreated a Scientist’s Unseen Color – and What It Means for the Future of Color
Scientists have long pushed the boundaries of human perception, and now, an artist is attempting to bring one of those groundbreaking discoveries to the wider world. Stuart Semple, known for his playfully provocative art and previous attempts to replicate the world’s blackest and pinkest paints, has created a paint that mimics a color entirely new to human vision – dubbed “olo” by the researchers who discovered it. But this isn’t just about a novel shade; it’s a fascinating glimpse into how technology and art can intersect and a potential harbinger of how we’ll experience color in the future.
Beyond the Visible Spectrum: The Science Behind “Olo”
The journey to “olo” began in a lab at the University of California, Berkeley. Researchers used precisely targeted laser pulses to stimulate individual cells within the retinas of five volunteers. This experimental setup pushed their visual experience beyond the typical range of colors we can naturally perceive. The result? A color that exists outside of what the human eye is naturally equipped to detect. The scientists identified this color as ‘olo,’ derived from the binary code 010 – referencing the fact that only the M cones in the eye, responsible for perceiving medium wavelengths of light, are activated when viewing this hue.
“It’s a color trained into the brain,” explains Austin Roorda, a vision scientist involved in the study. “It’s not something we’re seeing in the world, it’s a sensation generated by stimulating specific cells in the eye.” He jokingly adds, “I might even commission my cousin who’s an artist to do some work with this paint,” conceding that perfectly replicating the experience is impossible.
Semple’s Approach: A Low-Tech Re-creation
While the scientists used advanced laser technology, Semple took a more accessible route to recreate “olo.” He meticulously mixed pigments, utilizing fluorescent optical brighteners to amplify the color and capture ultraviolet light, making it appear brighter and whiter than it actually is. A spectrometer was used to precisely analyze and match the intensity of his paint samples to the original hue.
“I’ve always thought that colour should be available to everybody,” Semple stated, echoing his wider artistic philosophy. “I’ve fought for years to liberate these colours that are either corporately owned or scientists have staked a claim to, or have been licensed to an individual person.”
A History of Colour Rebellion – And Black Jackets
Semple’s past endeavors highlight a pattern of challenging exclusivity in the art world – and the colour world. His attempt to create a “blacker” paint than Anish Kapoor’s patent-protected “Vantablack” gained significant attention, culminating in legal action. This demonstrates a broader trend – a desire to make innovative colours accessible to experimentation and creativity.
More Than Just a Paint: The Future of Colour Perception
This “olo” project isn’t just about replicating an unusual shade; it raises exciting questions about the future of colour perception. As technology advances, we might see increasingly sophisticated tools used to enhance or even alter our visual experience. Think augmented reality filters that simulate colours beyond what we currently perceive, or even individualized colour palettes tailored to specific neurological profiles.
Interestingly, Roorda even attempted to recreate the colour through a rather unconventional method: meticulously mixing liqueurs – Midori melon liqueur and Blue Curacao – acknowledging the difficulty in capturing a truly novel sensation. This highlights the layered approach needed to understanding and reproducing something beyond basic colour theory.
Did You Know?
Did you know? The human eye can distinguish approximately 10 million different colours! However, the range of colours we *can* actually perceive is significantly smaller, influenced by our genetics and individual differences.
Pro Tip: Understanding Your Colour Vision
Most people are trichromats, meaning they have three types of cone cells sensitive to red, green, and blue light. This allows us to perceive a wide range of colours. But some individuals are dichromats, having only two cone types, resulting in a reduced colour spectrum. This is often associated with colour blindness.
FAQ
- What exactly *is* “olo”? It’s a colour that was created by stimulating specific cells in the eye with laser pulses, resulting in a sensation beyond the typical human visual range.
- How much does “olo” cost? Semple is selling it for £10,000 per 150ml jar – or £29.99 for artists who state they are one.
- Can I actually see “olo”? Semple’s paint comes closest to replicating the original colour, though perfectly matching the experience remains elusive.
The creation of “olo” is a fantastic example of how art and science can push the boundaries of human experience. It opens up new avenues for experimentation and challenges our understanding of what’s possible.
Want to explore more of Semple’s colourful creations? Visit his website to learn more!
What do you think? Share your thoughts on the future of colour perception in the comments below!