(Archive) Unwhite

Porcelain is a material known for its pristine whiteness. But this pure white appearance has environmental consequences. It is becoming increasingly common that the kaolin from which porcelain is made is contaminated with iron. So when firing porcelain, up to 30% additional gas is often fed into the kiln to stop the iron in the porcelain from oxidising and changing the colour of the material. The contamination in the kaolin is only a result of the gradual depletion of our resources. But why should we not act responsibly and produce less white porcelain?

Unwhite questions the relationship between society‘s aesthetic preferences for white porcelain and our responsibility towards our environment.