Conflict Colors

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2-2018

Abstract

Designers often celebrate color without considering where it comes from. This paper explores the origins of our modern colors and asks if they may compromise design ethics. Today, colors are created by large chemical corporations, who willfully obfuscate their production and supply chains. NGO watchdog groups and government agencies have evaluated the conditions of production for many of the mineral resources used in the production of these chemicals and declared the materials to be “conflict minerals.” This paper hopes to shed light on the complexity of the global colorant supply chain so artists and designers may know the potential humanitarian and geopolitical impact of our materials.

Publication Title

Design and Culture

First Page Number

369

Last Page Number

377

DOI

10.1080/17547075.2018.1509557

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