International Klein Blue
About International Klein Blue
International Klein Blue, often abbreviated as IKB, is a deep blue hue first mixed by the French artist Yves Klein. IKB's visual impact comes from its heavy reliance on ultramarine, as well as Klein's artistic use of a matte, synthetic resin binder that allows the pigment to maintain its brilliance and saturation. The color is a specific shade of blue tending toward azure, achieved by using Ultramarine pigment. Yves Klein registered this recipe as a peinture (paint) under the name International Klein Blue (IKB) at the French patent office in 1956. IKB became synonymous with Klein's work, representing his exploration of immateriality and the infinite.
International Klein Blue (#0629AF) offers moderate contrast against white backgrounds, achieving a contrast ratio of approximately 3.7:1. While it doesn't meet the WCAG AA standard for normal text (4.5:1), it's suitable for large text and graphical elements. When using this color, consider pairing it with lighter shades of yellow, white, or light cyan to enhance readability. Darker text on this background is not advisable, as the contrast ratio would be significantly lower, making the text difficult to read. Ensure sufficient spacing and text size for optimal accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A slightly lighter shade of blue, offering improved contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic feel to International Klein Blue.
- #2e5cb8
A vibrant blue that provides a good balance between visual appeal and accessibility, making it suitable for a variety of design applications.
- #003399
A darker, richer shade of blue that adds depth and sophistication, ideal for creating a sense of luxury and elegance in designs.
Applications
Web Design - Interactive Elements
International Klein Blue can be a striking choice for call-to-action buttons, drawing the user's attention and encouraging interaction. Its boldness creates a memorable and engaging experience for users. It is used in webdesign to highlight important elements.
Fashion Design
This vibrant blue can be incorporated into clothing or accessories to add a pop of color and create a bold fashion statement. It pairs well with neutral tones and can be used to create eye-catching ensembles. In the fashion industry International Klein Blue is commonly used for dresses and evening gowns.
Interiour Design - Meditative spaces
International Klein Blue, is often associated with depth and boundlessness, thus is a great fit for meditative and spiritual spaces to promote inner peace. The color is best used as an accent wall, as too much use of the color might feel overwhealming.