Long-awaited publication of Yves Klein's writings redefines his artistic legacy

The publication of Yves Klein's complete writings, edited by Didier Semin and Marie-Anne Sichère, marks a major event for understanding the artist's work. The volume collects all texts published by Klein during his lifetime or posthumously, including previously scattered fragments from exhibition catalogs and unfinished projects like 'L'Aventure monochrome.' The editors add 100 pages of notes, revealing Klein's sources and uncredited citations. This scholarly work counters the 'mystic clown' image often attached to Klein, clarifying his rejection of occultism. Separately, Jean-Michel Ribettes' book 'Yves Klein contre C. G. Jung' argues against the influence of Jung and critic Pierre Restany on Klein's reception, though the author's polemical style undermines his valid core thesis. Klein's writings, now accessible, show his evolving thought from monochromes to IKB blue and 'zones of immaterial pictorial sensibility,' culminating in his Anthropometries using live models as 'living brushes.' Klein claimed not to be a writer but worked tirelessly on texts he hoped would become 'the Epic book of the century.' The publication allows readers to engage directly with Klein's 'poetic energy.'