Christo and Jeanne Claude

Christo and Jeanne Claude are married artists who created environmental interactional collaborative and interactive works of art. Their works were credited to Christo until 1994 when the outdoor works and large artworks were credited to both. Their work is extremely visually impressive and controversial as a result of its size. In 1961 they covered barrels at the Port of Cologne which was their first collaboration, this was associated with post-war economics, the wrapping could symbolise protection and preservation as you often wrap things you want to look after, showing oil needs to be used carefully. The barrels themselves gave a very strong message as they looked very cold and foreboding.
In 1962 the couple tackled their first major project. Without consent of the authorities the artists made a statement against the Berlin wall blocking a street with oil barrels, this was named the Iron Curtain. This took 240 oil barrels and 8 hours to complete. It was extremely eye-catching because in my opinion it was extremely ugly. This sent the message very well and gave the effect desired. The 'Iron Curtain' was very tactile and had a cold hard effect because of the colours and textures.
Christo and Jeanne Claude wrapped the coast of Little Bay in Sydney, Australia at the end of 1969. This required 130 workers who devoted 17,000 hours work. The project required 9,5600 m2 of synthetic fabric and 56 km of rope. The effect was stunning and I was awestruck seeing this. There was a very vulnerable yet unforgiving feel when looking at this as the texture of the fabric juxtaposed with the harsh rocks and underlying landscape beneath.
Jeanne-Claude and Christo began preparations for Running Fence in 1972, a fabric fence, made from steel posts and steel cables, running through the landscape and leading into the sea. The fence was planned to be 5.5 meters high and 40 kilometers long. In terms of permission 59 families of ranchers needed to be convinced and they needed permission from the authorities. At the end of 1973 the path was marked for the fence with wooden stakes and three years later the work began. In September 1976 the work was completed, 200,000 metres squared of nylon fabric were used, 2050 steel posts and 145km of steel cable. Although the fence crossed roads and paths room was left for cars and livestock, this defined the fence interestingly as not a fence, as it doesn't enclose an area or prohibit entry. The fence itself was beautiful, it somehow fitted into its surroundings while at the same time making a statement without disturbing it's environment. It used its surroundings to stand out in contrast of colour, shape and tone. The colour was dull but stood out against the organic landscape surrounding it, the shape was curved when the wind blew and the lines created seemed to go on forever. It adapted to its surroundings reacting to light and weather. Its ever-changing state creates suspicion and wonder making you want to follow it. It follows the curves of the landscape being tense and taut but free flowing at the same time. No visible evidence of the fence existed when taken down after 14 days making it a legendary memory; this is my favourite interactive project giving a strong message and a beautiful intriguing addition to the landscape around it.
Jeanne-Claude and Christo experienced and lived through epic landmarks of History. They found it important to involve art in history and politics to highlight current affairs shown in the wrapping of the Reichstag. 10 years after the construction of the Berlin wall they conceived the idea of wrapping the Reichstag, which as the former seat of the democratic German Parliament. It had become a symbol of a country and city divided. They did not receive the permission they needed for 24 years. With the work of 90 professional climbers and 120 installation workers the project was complete and when taken down all the materials were recycled.
For all of time fabric has been used in all aspects of life, from birth to death wrapping is used by all mankind. When a baby is born it is wrapped to preserve, protect and give warmth. Wrapping can also be used to preserve food or wrap a present to provide excitement, Christo and Jeanne Claude took a meaning from fabric and interpreted it in an inspiring and original way. They not only took the subject of fabric but the meaning of it too, they came up with a way of symbolising issues in a way everyone can relate to.
They will have had many meetings with authorities, planners, councilors and politicians to seek permission for their projects. This is as important as the actual artwork. Peaceful pursuasion, explaining and negotiating makes it politicl, resolving differences through dialogue not warfare.
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