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I first fell in love with the bust of ‘Apollo Belvedere’ at San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park and considered it would be nice addition to my balcony garden in Melbourne. I purchased an inexpensive concrete version from a local gardening centre however an erudite friend recommended that it would possess greater oomph if given a coat of International Klein Blue (IKB). IKB is a deep, vibrant blue color created by the French artist Yves Klein in the 1950s. It's a striking and intense shade that can dramatically alter an object’s appearance in ways that are both aesthetic and psychological:
1.
Visual Impact: IKB
is known for its intense,
almost luminous quality.
When applied to an object,
it can make the object
stand out sharply, drawing
the viewer's
attention. The depth of
the blue can give the
object a sense of infinity
or vastness.
2.
Perception of Space
: The deep, uniform color
can flatten the perception
of the object, making its
form and contours less
distinct. This can create
a sense of abstraction,
where the color dominates
over the shape,
emphasizing the idea of
the object rather than its
physical reality.
Emotional and
Psychological Effect: Blue
is often associated with
calm, serenity, and depth.
IKB, with its unique
intensity, can evoke a
strong emotional response.
It might make the object
seem more mysterious or
imbue it with a sense of
importance or solemnity.
3.
Material and Texture Emphasis
: The matte quality of
IKB can emphasize or
downplay the texture of an
object. Rough textures may
become more pronounced,
while smooth surfaces
might appear even more
flawless.
4.
Cultural and Artistic Significance
: IKB has a strong
association with modern
art, particularly Yves
Klein's work. Applying
this color to an object
can give it an art-like
quality, transforming it
from a functional item
into something more
conceptual or symbolic.
Here is a photo essay of that transformation.
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Garden centre Apollo at sunset
A view from inside out
Painting the bust with IKB
Finished bust
