HNH 2014: The Blue Pill

2014, IKB pigment, capsule

1/4 x 3/4 x 1/4 inch

 

In The Matrix, the protagonist Neo is offered the choice between a red pill and a blue pill. The blue pill would allow him to remain in the virtual reality of the Matrix, therefore living an illusive life of blissful ignorance. Taking the red pill breaks him free from the Matrix, thereby eschewing the easy way out. Opting into the unmediated world, he chooses to live the more difficult, truer reality.

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In May 1960, the French artist Yves Klein registered the paint formula for International Klein Blue (IKB), the color he invented with paint supplier Eduoard Adam. The uniqueness of IKB derives from its ability to maintain as much original pigment color intensity as possible.

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HNH's blue pill contains the toxic IKB pigment - the encapsulation of a dare, an illusion, a finality. Come back some day, come what may.