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.
New York’s
Jewish Museum (CR June)
Twilight
Bicycle Club
Polo Mints
The Nordic Restaurant
Noble &
Savage Tea Merchants
