In a groundbreaking partnership, American materials startup Homeostasis and Japanese open-source collective Atierra are set to offer a revolutionary new fine arts pigment, made from carbon dioxide (CO2). The pigment, known as (mark), will be available to artists globally through the Air-to-Art project, a collaboration aimed at combating climate change through visual art.
The initiative, described as a world-first, is designed to harness the power of art to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. (mark) is a black pigment powder produced by Homeostasis, which claims that every gram of the pigment corresponds to 3.7 grams of CO2 permanently captured. The pigment is created using a proprietary process, where carbon emissions are transformed into a usable material for fine art, offering artists a novel tool in their creative arsenal while contributing to the fight against climate change.
The pigment itself is a charcoal-like substance that can be used for a variety of artistic techniques, including drawing and painting. Unlike traditional charcoal powders, (mark) boasts a remarkable 99% carbon content, providing artists with a superior black tone and a smooth, consistent application.
“Through this project, we’re not only offering artists a new medium, but we’re also helping to build the most sustainable and cost-effective supply of carbon materials,” said Makoto Eyre, co-founder and CEO of Homeostasis. “By synthesising carbon from CO2, we’re directly tackling one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. A balanced planet is a beautiful one, and we hope our pigment will contribute to that beauty.”
Homeostasis will be responsible for producing (mark), utilising its proprietary reactor technology. Atierra, known for its innovative approach to open-source environmental initiatives, will oversee marketing and retail, ensuring that the pigment reaches artists across the globe. The project is set to launch with a waitlist for U.S. and Japanese artists, with deliveries expected to commence in Spring 2025.
For those eager to get their hands on the new material, the waitlist for (mark) is now open, allowing creative professionals, illustrators, and other artists to register at no cost. Payments for the product will begin in February 2025, with the first deliveries scheduled for Spring 2025.
The collaboration is more than just an artistic endeavour; it is a crucial part of a larger movement for carbon removal and sustainability. Through the Air-to-Art project, Atierra is developing a certification system for artists who use materials derived from CO2 in their work. These certified artists will be able to sell their creations at a premium on Atierra’s platform, offering art collectors the unique opportunity to own works made from CO2 removed from the atmosphere.
Shivani Sathish, co-founder of Atierra, explained the vision behind the partnership: “We’re not just making climate action impactful; we’re making it rewarding. By providing artists with the tools to combat climate change, we’re creating a tangible link between creative expression and sustainability.”
This partnership between Homeostasis and Atierra marks an exciting step forward in both the art and climate action communities. By merging creativity with environmental responsibility, it sets a powerful precedent for future initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.