When you think of Yves Klein, you immediately think of blue — not just any blue, but an intense shade that he himself created and patented. This French artist, who flourished in the post-war art scene, was one of the pioneers in exploring color as a language.
The blue period
Yves Klein was born in Nice, France, on April 28, 1928, into a family of artists. From an early age, he showed an interest in art and creative expression. He studied at the National School of the Merchant Marine and the National School of Oriental Languages before settling in Paris in 1955. It was at this time that Klein began to gain recognition for his monochromatic paintings.
His fascination with the color blue and his search for a hue that conveyed his unique artistic vision were essential to the development of the unique shade. Early in his career, Klein experimented with different blue pigments, but became frustrated with the fading and lack of intensity they exhibited over time.
His quest for longer-lasting, more expressive color led him to explore innovative techniques. In 1956, Klein had a decisive breakthrough by adding a polymer binder to ultramarine pigment. This combination resulted in International Klein Blue (IKB), also known as Klein blue, a color that seemed to vibrate with a unique energy and depth.
The essence of blue in Klein’s art
IKB wasn’t just a color for Klein; it was a metaphor for the infinite and the unknown. He associated tone with pure space and the intangible, using his monochrome paintings as a platform to explore metaphysical concepts and the nature of art.
Klein even conducted experiments in which he painted multiple identical blue canvases and sold them at varying prices, reflecting the unique spirit he believed was present in each work. Furthermore, he was not limited to canvas and used Klein blue in live art performances, with nude models covered in blue paint on canvas as “living brushes”, in new dimensions of artistic expression.
In 1960, he founded the movement New realism, with Pierre Restany, marking his lasting influence on contemporary art. Sadly, Klein passed away prematurely at the age of 34 in 1962, leaving behind a bold and innovative artistic legacy that defied the conventions of the time.
Yves Klein’s story goes beyond art galleries. His innovation with International Klein Blue influenced not only contemporary artists but also infiltrated popular culture. Klein continues to be a symbol of audacious creativity and singular artistic vision, proving that the true impact of art reaches far beyond traditional boundaries.
