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Discover Yves Klein’s Affinity for the Natural World in a Spectacular New Exhibition in France

Mounted at the Domaine des Etangs castle, this thoughtfully curated show explores a lesser-known side of Klein’s practice

By Jill Sieracki
Spacious art gallery with wooden ceiling, blue carpet centerpiece, and framed artworks on white walls.
An installation view of “Yves Klein, Elements and Colours” at Domaine des Etangs in France. Photo: Arthur Pequin. Courtesy of Domaine des Etangs

Synonymous with the striking blue that bears his name, artist Yves Klein translated that one hue into paintings, furnishings, and sculptural works; however, the artist’s oeuvre wasn’t quite so monochromatic. The new exhibition “Yves Klein, Elements and Colours” at Domaine des Etangs near Aquitaine, France, turns the spotlight on the breadth and spectrum of his work.

Castle with round towers and spires reflected in a calm lake, surrounded by trees and greenery under a blue sky.
Domaine des Etangs. Photo: Courtesy of Domaine des Etangs

On view through January 29, 2021, the thoughtfully-curated show includes 60 pieces of art, film, and documentation, including items from Architecture de l’Air, Klein’s final project, curated by Daniel Moquay, president of the Yves Klein Archives, and Domaine des Etangs’s Philippe Siauve.

“This is not a retrospective of Yves Klein’s work, but a thematic exhibition that offers a glimpse of his works related to the elements, to nature,” Siauve tells Galerie. “The selected items shows how the natural force of the four fundamental elements runs through the work of Yves Klein. His Fire Paintings and Fire Colours, his Cosmogonies, his Monochromes, his Anthropometries, his immaterial works and his Air Architecture are all manifestations of the natural elements, intended to demonstrate their creative force and give form to the invisible bonds between the different components of the universe.”

Spacious room with wooden beams, stone wall, blue hanging rods, light blue rug, and framed art.
An installation view of the Yves Klein exhibition in France. Photo: Arthur Pequin. Courtesy of Domaine des Etangs

The regal French 11th-century château, thoughtfully renovated by designer Isabelle Stanislas, provides a lavish setting to mount such a profound exploration into the artist’s oeuvre. “A refuge from every day, Domaine des Etangs invites visitors to reconnect with nature and the art space,” says Siauve. “La Laiterie, where the exhibition lives, captures the profound bond between nature and art. Yves Klein, for whom nature was also a source of infinite inspiration, has a special place at this place.

The Laiterie and the Domaine are driven by the same desires as Yves Klein—to open up to the beauty that surrounds us and is omnipresent in the air, matter, and the Universe,” he continues. “It was the perfect setting to show his artworks realized with natural elements.  Moreover, the visit is unique and special because nature encompasses the whole experience as Domaine des Etang is nestled in 2,500 acres of preserved nature.”

Here, a look at several of the works on view in “Yves Klein, Elements and Colours” at Domaine des Etangs.

 

Sculpture with black balloons, geometric shapes, and metallic elements hangs above a blue rectangular platform in gallery setting.
An installation view of the Yves Klein exhibition at the Domaine des Etangs. Photo: Arthur Pequin. Courtesy of Domaine des Etangs
Two framed abstract sketches on a white wall, featuring geometric designs and handwritten notes.
The exhibition explores the artist’s fascination with the natural world. Photo: Arthur Pequin. Courtesy of Domaine des Etangs
Black and white photo of people by a river, with handwritten text overlay and buildings in the background.
The show includes early works, film, and archival documentation. Photo: Arthur Pequin. Courtesy of Domaine des Etangs
Framed artwork with blue handprints on a metallic background displayed on a white wall.
One of the works in the exhibition at Domaine des Etangs in France. Photo: Arthur Pequin. Courtesy of Domaine des Etangs
Modern living room with beige sofa, unique blue and gold coffee table, elegant lighting, and a large window with curtains.
The location—recently redesigned by Isabelle Stanislas—offers an engaging dialogue with the artist’s work. Photo: Arthur Pequin. Courtesy of Domaine des Etangs
Man in vest holding a glowing orb, creating a mystical and dramatic atmosphere in a grayscale photo
Yves Klein, The Dream of Fire, 1961. Photo: Arthur Pequin. Courtesy of Domaine des Etangs

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2020 Fall issue. Subscribe to the magazine.