Christo and Jeanne-Claude (1935-2009/2020) were a husband-and-wife duo of artisans during the height of the Nouveau Réalisme movement in the mid-19th century. Both artists were born on the same day, June 13th, 1935, and the two began creating art in traditional mediums of drawing and sculpture for the first few decades of their lives. However, their wrapped landmarks and environmental structures took fame and spread across Europe, Asia, and North America. Together, the artists sought to transform the mindset of artists after the tragic events of World War II. “The artistic practice of Christo and Jeanne-Claude not only alerts the viewer to the particularities of the urban and rural landscape but also raises questions about the commodification of culture in the postwar era.” (Arnason, H. Mansfield, E. 2012). Furthermore, the duo formulated known works such as the Running Fence (1976) and The Gates (1979-2005).
Their impact and influence continue in the 21st century. And in recent years, the plan for The L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped (2021) was constructed after 60 years of planning, despite Christo’s passing in 2020. There is another work still yet to be finalized, titled The Mastaba. According to recent articles, it is in progress and will be larger than the Pyramids of Giza after final construction.“The Mastaba, a project for Abu Dhabi, was conceived in 1977. It will be the largest contemporary sculpture in the world made from 410,000 multi-colored barrels to form a colorful mosaic, echoing Islamic architecture.” (Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation. 2021.)
Nevertheless, the impact of Christo and Jeanne-Claude live on into the following generations of artists and movements. Nouveau Réalisme had an expansive effect on society and contemporary artists, concluding how Christo and Jeanne-Claude influenced individuals in the world through their projects. Reflecting on the creative lives of Christo and Jeanne-Claude exhibits how God’s creation is the ultimate artwork. For God created all we see today; “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, ESV Bible). Christians can see how their artwork highlights God’s creation by making it the setting of each art project, adding to the impact of their ambitious works.
For more articles on Christo and Jeanne-Claude please visit:
Christo and Jeanne-Claude: https://christojeanneclaude.net/ & Museum of Modern Art Christo: https://www.moma.org/artists/1114
Hannah J. Pasquini © 2022
References:
Arnason, H., H. and Elizabeth C. Mansfield. History of Modern Art. Available from: Liberty University Online Bookshelf, (7th Edition). Pearson Education (US), 2012. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9780205953233/pageid/468
Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation (2021). Christo Jeanne-Claude Website https://christojeanneclaude.net/artworks/works-in-progress/
The English Standard (ESV) Bible Genesis 1:1
