Yves Klein (1928 - 1962) was regarded as a visionary even by his contemporaries. The enfant terrible and outstanding judoka’s spectacular performances attracted considerable attention in the art world, creating an interest that even increased in the wake of his premature death. Having anticipated numerous tendencies such as happenings, performances, Land and Body Art, and aspects of Conceptual Art, Klein’s manifold oeuvre realized within only eight years has continued to exercise a decisive influence until this day.

The comprehensive retrospective presented by the Schirn includes more than 100 works from all periods of his work: his first monochromes in orange, yellow, green, pink, black, and white, his famous blue monochromes, as well as his sponge reliefs and sculptures, his much-discussed “Anthropometries,” for which he used female models as “live brushes,” his “monogold” paintings, and his last experiments with fire and elements of nature. Yves Klein’s entire oeuvre was aimed at enhancing the viewer’s sensitivity. The presentation in the Schirn offers a unique opportunity to explore this experience in all facets of his work.