International Klein Blue
About International Klein Blue
International Klein Blue, often referred to as IKB, is a deep blue hue first mixed by the French artist Yves Klein. Klein sought to create a blue that best expressed his concept of the limitless and immaterial. The color was synthetically created and registered as a trademark by Klein in 1957. IKB's unique visual impact stems from its intense saturation and its matte finish, which absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This lack of reflectance enhances the perception of depth and purity of the color, making it appear almost like an infinite void. The creation and trademarking of IKB highlight the intersection of art, science, and commerce, solidifying its place as a significant cultural phenomenon.
The hex color #0633ae, also known as International Klein Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value (approximately 3.6) results in a very poor contrast ratio against a standard white background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. This color fails to meet these standards. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid using #0633ae for text or important interface elements without careful consideration of contrast. Pairing it with a very light color, such as white (#ffffff) or a pale yellow (#ffffcc), as a background is not recommended. Consider using a darker shade or a completely different color palette to ensure readability and accessibility for all users. Also, avoid using this color for elements that convey information (like links or error messages) without additional cues like icons or text labels.
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Digital Color Formats
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Applications
Website Call-to-Action Highlights
International Klein Blue's intensity makes it suitable for creating bold accents in web design. It can be used for interactive elements like buttons or call-to-action highlights to draw the user's attention. However, care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with the surrounding background to maintain accessibility. Furthermore, this color is great for headings and large pieces of text. To be fully accessible, pair with darker backgrounds or borders around the text.
Modern Abstract Art
This color is often used in abstract and modern art pieces to evoke feelings of depth and limitlessness. Its unique matte finish absorbs light, further intensifying its visual impact. Its strong resonance makes it the color of choice to evoke the abstract idea of freedom, so it is widely used in creative applications.
Fashion Accessories
While challenging to incorporate directly into clothing due to its boldness, #0633ae can be effectively used in accessories such as scarves, handbags, or statement jewelry. These pops of color can add a vibrant and sophisticated touch to an outfit. The intense nature of the color draws attention, so it will make you stand out in a crowd.