A Revolutionary Color from the Lab!

In a stunning intersection of art and science, British artist Stuart Semple has claimed to have created a paint in a newly discovered color that scientists unveiled after conducting eye-popping experiments with laser pulses.

From Laser Eyes to Artistic Vibrance

The colour, dubbed 'olo' by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, emerged when lasers were used to stimulate retinal cells of five participants—allowing them to perceive colors beyond typical human limits. Semple’s painted version of this striking blue-green hue is priced at a jaw-dropping £10,000 for a 150ml jar, or a more accessible £29.99 if you identify as an artist.

Crafting a Color Without the Tech

While the scientists relied on high-tech lasers for discovery, Semple took a DIY approach. He skillfully blended pigments and added fluorescent optical brighteners to enhance the visibility of the hues, ultimately using a spectrometer to fine-tune his paint samples to the mesmerizing 'olo'.

A Mission to Democratize Color

"I believe color should be accessible to all," declared Semple, who also gained fame for creating the world’s blackest and pinkest paints. Previously, he ingeniously produced his take on Yves Klein's renowned ultramarine blue. With a mission to liberate these unique colors from corporate and scientific confinements, Semple is adamant that everyone should have access to the vibrant palettes of the world.

Meet ‘Yolo’: A Playful Twist on Science

In a fun twist, Semple has named his version 'yolo', showcasing his trend of irreverently reproducing shades that are generally kept under strict wraps. This playful name reflects his ongoing rebellion against exclusivity in the art world.

The Science Behind the Color

The Berkeley team's research showcased how the new color emerged by primarily stimulating the medium (M) cones in the retina, which typically don’t receive full activation. The name 'olo' comes from the binary 010, signifying that only the M cones are engaged—a phenomenon that highlights the potential of human perception.

Scientific Validation and Personal Interest

Austin Roorda, a vision scientist from the Berkeley team, expressed intrigue: he might buy Semple's paint but balked at the price. "While it’s impossible to match 'olo' perfectly, I’d love to explore its artistic possibilities," he mused.

A Tasty Experiment Gone Awry

In a lighthearted attempt to recreate 'olo', Roorda even mixed two liqueurs: Midori and Blue Curaçao. The result? A decidedly questionable concoction that he humorously noted, "looks more like 'olo' the more I drink!"