Meaning: Yves Klein, a French artist known for his influential work in the fields of performance art, minimalism, and color field painting, made the statement "The dominant invades the entire picture, as it were. In this way I seek to individualize the color, because I have come to believe that there is a living world of each color and I express these worlds." This quote encapsulates Klein's approach to art and his unique understanding of color as a living entity that he sought to express in his work.

Klein's exploration of color was central to his artistic practice. He was particularly interested in the concept of monochrome, where a single color is used to create a complete artistic statement. He believed that each color had its own unique energy and presence, and he sought to harness and express these qualities in his art. This approach was a departure from conventional understandings of color as a mere visual element, and it reflected Klein's desire to imbue his work with a sense of vitality and spirituality.

When Klein speaks of the dominant color "invading the entire picture," he is referring to the way in which he sought to immerse the viewer in a particular hue, creating an intense and all-encompassing visual experience. This approach can be seen in Klein's iconic blue monochrome paintings, where the use of a single, vivid shade of blue dominates the canvas, enveloping the viewer in its presence. This immersive quality reflects Klein's belief in the power of color to evoke emotional and perceptual responses, and his desire to create a direct and intense encounter between the viewer and the artwork.

Klein's assertion that he seeks to "individualize the color" speaks to his belief in the unique character of each hue. He viewed color as possessing its own distinct identity and life force, and he aimed to capture and express these qualities in his art. For Klein, the act of individualizing color was a means of revealing the depth and complexity inherent in each hue, and of allowing the viewer to engage with the intrinsic qualities of the color itself.

In describing color as a "living world," Klein suggests that he saw color as possessing a dynamic and vital essence, akin to a living being. This perspective aligns with his interest in the spiritual and transcendent potential of art, as well as his belief in the capacity of color to elicit profound emotional and perceptual experiences. For Klein, the act of expressing these "living worlds" of color in his art was a way of inviting viewers to engage with the profound and enigmatic qualities of color, and to experience a heightened sense of connection and resonance with the artwork.

Klein's approach to color and his belief in its individuality and vitality continue to influence artists and thinkers in the realms of visual art, philosophy, and aesthetics. His innovative and unconventional understanding of color as a living force has contributed to a broader reevaluation of the nature and significance of color in artistic practice, and it has inspired a rethinking of the ways in which color can be harnessed to create meaning, evoke emotion, and provoke contemplation.

In conclusion, Yves Klein's statement reflects his profound and unconventional understanding of color as a living entity with its own unique presence and vitality. His approach to art was characterized by a desire to immerse the viewer in the intense and individual qualities of each color, and to create a direct and visceral encounter between the viewer and the artwork. Klein's exploration of color as a "living world" has had a lasting impact on the fields of art and aesthetics, prompting a reevaluation of the nature and potential of color in artistic practice.