Artwork, 1962

Receipt Book for Zones of Immaterial pictorial Sensibility. Series 4

In 1959, Yves Klein printed these receipt books in order to proceed with the transfer of "Zones of Immaterial Pictorial Sensibility".
The blue, on the outside, announces the more substantial presence of the immaterial placed in this case. During the purchase, the name of the purchaser is noted on the receipt as on the stump of the book. On the receipt, a box specifies the conditions imposed by the artist for the resale of an acquired zone: "This transferable zone can be ceded by its owner only to twice of its initial value".


"Ritual for the Transfer of a Zone of Immaterial Pictorial Sensibility

The immaterial pictorial sensibility zones of Yves KLEIN the Monochrome are relinquished against a certain weight of fine gold. Seven series of these pictural [sic] immaterial zones all numbered exist already. Fort each zone the exact weight of pure gold which is the material value correspondent to the immaterial acquired.

The zones are transferable by their owner.

Every possible buyer of an immaterial pictorial sensibility zone must realize that the fact that he accepts a receipt for the price which he has paid takes away all his possessions.

In order that the fundamental immaterial value of the zone belongs to him and becomes a part of him, he must solemnly burn his receipt, after his first and last name, his address and the date of the purchase have been written on the stub of the receipt book.

In case the buyer wishes this act of integration of the work of art with himself to take place, Yves Klein must, in the presence of an Art Museum Director, or an Art Gallery Expert, or an Art Critic, plus two witnesses, throw half of the gold received in the ocean, into a river or some other place in nature where this gold cannot be retrieved by any one.

From this moment on, the immaterial pictorial sensitivity zone belongs to the buyer absolutely and intrinsically.

The zone[s] having been transfered in this way are not any more transferable by their owner.

PS : If someone should prefer to acquire an immaterial zone of pictorial sensitivity… or void… anonymously… he may do so without any ritual…"

Yves Klein, excerpt from "Ritual for the Transfer of a Zone of Immaterial Pictorial Sensibility", 1959
Technical Printed paper (10 receipts)
Dimensions 8.7 x 29.8cm