Large, billowing fabrics flutter above my head. I lift my feet up to reach the clementine-colored cloth. As the cloth reveals its texture, I gasp in child-like exhilaration. My eyes light up as I view miles of curtains flowing throughout the foliage. This is breathtaking.
Those words express everything I felt in February 2005 when I viewed “The Gates” by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in New York’s Central Park. Each time I remember that day, I am struck with joy and appreciation for having the opportunity to do so.
At the time, I was a sophomore studying management and I had taken an art class on a whim and to fulfill my fine arts requirement for my degree. Who knew that this experience would add to a life-changing decision? Our professor recommended that all the students take one of the three art field trips during the semester to NYC. By the first trip, I knew that I only had a couple days left until the city removed the work. Christo and Jeanne-Claude intended viewers to quickly view the work within 15 days rather than provide a permanent or longer-lasting piece. Luckily, I was one of thousands to experience their work, and I knew this would be my closest chance.
After researching numerous Websites, I understood that these environmental works took decades to come to fruition. The artists must go back and forth with the city and country to earn approval for the works, provide procedures for set-up and removal, and document their intention for the viewers. I’ll consider myself extremely lucky if I ever view another installation by them again.
On 18 November 2009, I learned that Jeanne-Claude, wife of artist Christo, passed away. She was 74; the same age as Christo because both were coincidentally born on the same exact date. Christo promises to continue their work and to display them in other parts of the world, including the United Arab Emirates. Although Jeanne-Claude is gone, I remain inspired by their work. Thank you.
Those words express everything I felt in February 2005 when I viewed “The Gates” by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in New York’s Central Park. Each time I remember that day, I am struck with joy and appreciation for having the opportunity to do so.
At the time, I was a sophomore studying management and I had taken an art class on a whim and to fulfill my fine arts requirement for my degree. Who knew that this experience would add to a life-changing decision? Our professor recommended that all the students take one of the three art field trips during the semester to NYC. By the first trip, I knew that I only had a couple days left until the city removed the work. Christo and Jeanne-Claude intended viewers to quickly view the work within 15 days rather than provide a permanent or longer-lasting piece. Luckily, I was one of thousands to experience their work, and I knew this would be my closest chance.
After researching numerous Websites, I understood that these environmental works took decades to come to fruition. The artists must go back and forth with the city and country to earn approval for the works, provide procedures for set-up and removal, and document their intention for the viewers. I’ll consider myself extremely lucky if I ever view another installation by them again.
On 18 November 2009, I learned that Jeanne-Claude, wife of artist Christo, passed away. She was 74; the same age as Christo because both were coincidentally born on the same exact date. Christo promises to continue their work and to display them in other parts of the world, including the United Arab Emirates. Although Jeanne-Claude is gone, I remain inspired by their work. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment