GLOBAL — The artist Christo Vladimirov Javacheff passed away over the weekend at the age of 84, but appreciation for the man and his incredible art installations has risen.
For most of the past four decades, people who hear the name “Christo” immediately think of large-scale landmarks, often wrapped in fabric, that seemingly popped up out of nowhere.
Together with wife Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon, their work was typically large, visually impressive, and controversial, often taking years and sometimes decades of careful preparation — including technical solutions, political negotiation, permitting, and environmental approval, hearings and public persuasion.
Born on June 13, 1935, in Gabrovo, Bulgaria, Christo left in 1957.
In 1958, he went to Paris, where he met his wife and life partner in the creation of monumental environmental works of art. Guillebon passed away on November 18, 2009.
From early wrapped objects to monumental outdoor projects, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s artwork transcended the traditional bounds of painting, sculpture, and architecture. Some of their work included Wrapped Coast, Little Bay in Sydney, Australia (1968–69), Valley Curtain in Colorado (1970–72), Running Fence in California (1972–76), Surrounded Islands in Miami (1980–83), The Pont Neuf Wrapped in Paris (1975–85), The Umbrellas in Japan and California (1984–91), Wrapped Reichstag in Berlin (1972–95), The Gates in New York’s Central Park (1979–2005), The Floating Piers at Italy’s Lake Iseo (2014–16), and The London Mastaba on London’s Serpentine Lake (2016–18).
“Christo lived his life to the fullest, not only dreaming up what seemed impossible but realizing it. Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s artwork brought people together in shared experiences across the globe, and their work lives on in our hearts and memories,” reads a statement from Christo’s office.
Christo’s temporary work of art in Paris, France, titled L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped (Project for Paris, Place de l’Étoile), is scheduled for September 18–October 3, 2021. Additionally, a major exhibition at the Centre Georges Pompidou about Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s work and time in Paris will be on view this year, from July 1–October 19, 2020.
About the Author:
Jason Inocencio was once the Digital Editor of adobo magazine who still loves seeing great campaigns from all over the world. He proudly shows off his love for all kinds of geeky things, whether it be movies, TV shows, comics, sports, or trivia.
