Yves Klein (1928 - 1962) was regarded as a visionary even by his contemporaries. The enfant terrible and outstanding judo enthusiast'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 a period of only eight years continues to exercise a decisive influence to this day. The comprehensive retrospective presented by the Schirn includes over one hundred works representing his entire career: 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 "living 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 sensuality. The presentation at the Schirn offers a unique opportunity to explore this experience in all facets of his work. (German edition available ISBN 3-7757-1446-4)Exhibition schedule: Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt September 17, 2004 - January 9, 2005