Tucson Maroon, Lithol Red Dark c. 20 - 41

Editor: This is “Tucson Maroon, Lithol Red Dark,” made by Imperial Paper & Color Corp. It’s a jar of pigment with a color chart. I’m struck by how mundane and technical it appears. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a relic, a remnant. Colors carry cultural weight. Maroon, for instance, often represents themes of sacrifice and endurance. Consider how this pigment, once vibrant in a painting, contributes to the emotional impact of the work. Editor: So the jar becomes a symbol of artistic intention? Curator: Exactly. What associations do you have with that particular shade of red? Think about historical events, personal memories... Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. Now, I see a connection to something bigger. Curator: Visual symbols are a powerful form of non-verbal communication.