Yves Klein, 1928-1962
Monochrome und Feuer (Krefeld Triptych), 1961
The complete set of three works, comprised of one sheet with gold leaf which is applied by hand by Yves Klein himself and two screenprints in Yves Klein blue and pink, on stiff card. Together with the exhibition catalogue.
Published by the Kaiser Wilhelm Museum, Krefeld on occasion of the exhibition 'Monochrome under Feuer' at the Museum Haus Lange, Krefeld, 14 January-26 February 1961.
Each sheet: 31.3 x 23 cm; 12 3/8 x 9 in
Image printed to the full sheet
Each frame: 66 x 56.3 x 4 cm; 26 x 22 1/8 x 1 5/8 in
Note:
Yves Klein, a prominent French artist of the 20th century, is renowned for his innovative approach to art and his influential contributions to the Nouveau Réalisme movement. Klein made very few multiples during his life. This triptych, "Monochrome und Feuer," was created a year before his death for the artist's first solo exhibition in Krefeld. This artwork amplifies his unique artistic vision and exploration of the relationship between colour and materiality.
The "Monochrome und Feuer" triptych consists of three distinct individual sheets. Klein's fascination with monochromatic art, particularly his iconic "International Klein Blue" (IKB), is prominently displayed in this work. IKB, a vibrant ultramarine hue created by the artist himself, became synonymous with his artistic identity and was frequently employed in his creations. Together with the pink sheet, these are the monochrome pieces where the uniformity of the colour draws the viewer's attention to the materiality of the artwork itself, encouraging a deeper contemplation of the sensory experience rather than the representation of any subject matter. The middle panel of the composition represents the element of fire in Klein's artistic expression. The artist used a reflective gold sheet on which he added gold leaf pieces, displaying the sparkling effect of a burning fire. As each multiple has been hand-made, the gold pieces are differently applied to each work. Therefore, Klein embraced the fact that each multiple would be created with an element of chance and unpredictability. The gold panel has an organic and dynamic texture that juxtaposes with the smoothness of the monochrome blue.
