International Klein Blue

International Klein Blue (IKB) is a deep ultramarine hue created by Yves Klein, a French painter. Klein considered this electric colour to be immaterial, almost beyond what we can see or touch; ‘space-like.’ He achieved this by mixing industrial blue paint with a highly volatile fixative- giving the tone depth and a sense of suspension. Klein was passionate about representing his colour through using movement and performance art and he is known to have described the body as a “living paintbrush.” He is known for painting models' naked bodies and asking them to walk, roll and sprawl on to blank canvases. This showed an energy and exhilaration that parallel with the vibrant colour itself. It has been said that the colour can only be fully appreciated in person and cannot be reproduced on screens or in print. However, Klein registered the colour in 1957 and it has been used widely since then.

Examples:

Novi

Bureau Progressiv- Germany 2013

This use of Klein Blue works well as it is juxtaposed by the vibrancy of red in the controller. Usually Klein Blue is paired with pale blues and whites, however this combination serves power and electricity. It helps to communicate the powerful message made in implementing guns into the controller. It feels as if the blue has been purposefully chosen to look artificial, as violent games are sometimes considered “unnatural.”

Tourismusplakat Hoch-Ybrig Poster

Kasper Florio- Switzerland 2015

The use of Klein Blue in this piece pulls the design from the page, it's strong pigment means that anything next to it feels as if it falls behind in shadow. The use of a matte green works well next to such a fluorescent colour, and doesn't feel conflicting. This makes me consider that in some cases Klein Blue can be considered natural and create a fresh and clear effect. 

 

Small Wave-Edition Journals

Oliver Hischier- Switzerland 2015

Klein Blue has been used in sharp contrast with white here, using slits of colour to create a hectic effect. The repetitive angular shapes create quite a contemporary design. The bright colour and fluid patterns draw parallels with the ocean or reflections on water. Klein Blue seems to be more commonly used for straight edge design, rather than organic shapes- perhaps it would seem overpowering on natural forms.

Surfing in Waikiki

Johan Chaneac- France 2016

The classic Klein Blue colour is less prevalent here, however the colours feel as if they derive from Klein Blue as a collective. They still maintain it's vibrancy and the layered texture of the book creates a deep and bold impression. The overlaying of these three blues feels airy and natural, the sweeping colours remind me of the sea and sky in a landscape. Solely using blues in a composition feels very tranquil in works like this.