Anthropométrie sans titre (ANT 106) - Yves Klein

An iconic Anthropométrie work by Yves Klein, capturing the human form through the direct application of International Klein Blue pigment.

This work belongs to the series of Anthropométries, a project initiated by Yves Klein in 1960. In these pieces, Klein moved away from the traditional brush, choosing instead to use human bodies as living paintbrushes. He directed models covered in his signature International Klein Blue (IKB) pigment to press their bodies against paper or canvas. The resulting images capture the physical trace of the human form, rendered in a ghostly, ethereal manner.

Klein developed IKB in collaboration with a Parisian paint supplier, seeking a medium that maintained the intensity of pure pigment. By applying this colour to the surface through the movement of a body, he aimed to record the energy and presence of the subject rather than a literal representation. The blurred edges and soft transitions in this piece demonstrate the fluid nature of the application process. The contrast between the saturated blue and the negative space of the unpainted surface creates a sense of suspension.

This approach reflects Klein's interest in the immaterial and the spiritual dimensions of art. He viewed the act of painting as a ritual, where the physical body serves as a medium for transferring energy onto the surface. The absence of traditional painterly marks allows the viewer to focus on the pure sensation of the colour and the suggestion of the human silhouette. This work is an example of his attempt to capture the void, a recurring theme in his practice. By removing his own hand from the direct application of paint, he sought to create a more objective record of the human presence. The result is a composition that feels both immediate and distant, inviting contemplation on the relationship between the physical body and the abstract nature of art.