Studio Practice: OUGD404 - International Klein Blue

OUGD404

Klein Blue

International Klein Blue is a blue hue first mixed by French artist Yves Klein, described as ultramarine. Klein has been described as ‘the last French artist of major international consequence’. His work altered the course of western art thanks to his commitment to the power of colour, especially the colour blue. Klein patented a hue of blue as a colour of his own invention in 1957, naming the colour ‘International Klein Blue’. He considered the colour to have a pure quality and associated it with values that cannot be seen or touched. He created the colour by suspending pure pigment in a synthetic resin to preserve the luminescence and powdery texture of the pigment.

Klein was radical in his approach and how he presented his work. For the opening of exhibits he created spectacles such as releasing 1,001 balloons in a district of Paris for the opening of his solo exhibition in 1957. In march 1960 he opened ‘Anthropometries of the Blue Epoch’ in Paris where he directed three naked models as the covered themselves in blue paint and imprinted images of their bodies upon a white canvas as if they were ‘living brushes’.

For some, International Klein Blue represented the break in abstraction and a rejection of expressionist art. Others believe that Klein’s ‘depthless monochromes’ and his obsession with the void can be understood as an expression of the threat of nuclear destruction. Klein’s love for the colour blue could also be linked to his religious views. He was a Catholic, and in religious art blue is often used to represent godliness and eternity.

Colour Codes:

Hex: 0033CC

RGB: 0, 47, 167

CYMK: 100, 90, 0 ,0

HSV: 225, 100, 80

Pantone number 286 (96% similar)

The use of international Klein Blue has gradually grown within the field of graphic design since 2007, with it becoming more and more popular each year. Klein blue is often used against a monochromatic colour scheme or with one additional colour as it so versatile. It has a startling visual impact especially on screen and when placed against ‘stark’ white as the colour is said to pop. However, this is not the first time IK blue has been so popular as the use of the colour also rose in the 90’s. This suggests that the use of Klein blue is a trend. Using trends in graphic design can limit the creativity within the sector. If everyone is producing the same or similar pieces there will be no variety or innovations within graphics. Following fundamentals rather than trends makes for timeless design. This being said, keeping up with trends, such as the use of Klein blue, can create work that seems cutting edge. when particular trends are used appropriately this can make for good design.

Examples of Klein Blue in Graphic design.

Prague’s Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design.