The hunt for the blackest black

From Stories in Colour by The National Gallery

July 1, 2026 · 36 min · Season 2 · Episode 7

About this episode

The episode explores the concept of the blackest black through art and science, featuring discussions with artist Stuart Semple.

Today we're on a hunt with artists through time, searching for the blackest black. We’re after the deepest blacks, the most accurate blacks and the most atmospheric blacks. Beks is joined by artist Stuart Semple to help answer questions such as: is black really a colour and how do we see the colour black? Step back in time to the Palaeolithic era to discover ancient cave paintings at the Lascaux caves. Then jump forward in time to hear about the scientific breakthrough Vantablack and the debates it has caused. ------- Stuart Semple is a multidisciplinary British artist whose work spans painting, performance, internet art, and installation. His work is known for its vibrant use of colour and techniques that challenge societal norms and question the role of the artist. ------- Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q67HKmopxSI You can email us with any questions via podcast@nationalgallery.org.uk Find out more about the podcast on our website: www.nationalgallery.org.uk/podcast ------- Paintings mentioned: Frans Hals, ‘The Laughing Cavalier’, 1624 © The Wallace Collection, London…

People in this episode

Host: Beks

Guest: Stuart Semple

Topics covered

blackest black
art history
colour theory
scientific breakthroughs
cave paintings
Vantablack

Keywords

black
art
colour
Vantablack
cave paintings
Stuart Semple
Palaeolithic
Frans Hals
John Singer Sargent

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Laughing Cavalier, Madame X (Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau), Lord Ribblesdale

Places: Lascaux caves