Leaping and falling

Picture this.

It’s a crisp November morning in 1960. Parisians are waking to discover an unknown four-page newspaper, positioned next to the weekly Le Journal du Dimanche.

On the front page of this mysterious publication, was a smartly dressed man captured mid-flight, appearing to have just launched himself from a second-story roof, eyes fixed on the sky, and arms outstretched like wings.

A Man in Space! the headline exclaimed. ‘The painter of space leaps into the void!’ celebrating the figure’s victory in the international space race.

This man was artist Yves Klein.

And the unknown newspaper? It was a satirical publication of his own making, showcasing Klein’s now infamous image Saut dans le Vide (1960), or ‘Leap into the Void.’

At the time, this image was easy to take at face-value. AI and Photoshop didn’t exist, and documentary-style or ‘straight’ photography was used to capture emotional truth in human life.

Or so it seemed.

In reality, Klein’s wife and friends had been waiting beneath the rooftop with tarpaulin, ready to break his fall. The real illusion was executed by photographers Harry Shunk and Jean Kender, who were then sworn to secrecy!

From the dark room, Shunk and Kender composited an image of the empty street with the one from the artist’s fall - effectively erasing the safety net, and creating a magic trick that was unprecedented in the photography of the time.

What we find striking about this image, is the way it captures the leap of faith that all artists and storytellers must undertake along their journey.

The vulnerable leap to put their ideas out into the world, with no guarantees on what will happen next. The uncertainty, the risk, the blood, sweat and tears to create meaning and connection…  And the resilience that this requires.

This symbolic leap is something we all undertake in every corner of life. Be that starting a new job, confessing our love, asking for help, starting a family, laying down new roots, or maybe even putting a big dream out into the universe.

We have artists to thank for showing us that the metaphorical leap isn’t just possible - it’s necessary. Both terrifying and thrilling, it reminds us of what it means to be human.

Bravo to all the artists and creatives in the Mojo community that keep championing compassion, creativity and connection in one of the world’s toughest industries. We don’t just love to watch you play, we need it.

Finally, there’s another important message in Leap into the Void. One that Klein may not have expected or intended, but which serves as a beautiful reminder, nonetheless.

No one in this world can do anything in this world on their own.

It’s reported that Klein didn’t leap into the void just once. He jumped many times into the streets of Paris that morning, practising the arc of his body and experimenting with different components of the scene.

This kind of play and curiosity is only made possible through the team of people on the ground - not only helping to bring his creative vision to life, but ensuring he could remain safe in the process.

The same is true for us all. The symbolic leap, and the courage required, is only possible with the support of others.