Optic White. 2016. Handmade paper mounted to linen, hand embroidery on linen. 13.5 x 38.5 in. (34.3 x 97.8 cm)

OPTIC WHITE            

The idea is to open each bucket and put in ten drops
of this stuff. Then you stir it ‘till it disappears.
I measured the glistening black drops, seeing them
settle upon the surface and become blacker still. I mixed
the paint thoroughly. Let’s see, he said, selecting a sample.
That’s it, as white as George Washington’s wig. The purest
white that can be found. That’s paint that’ll cover just
about anything.
                                                —Ralph Ellison, INVISIBLE MAN