These two continually denied that their projects contained any deeper meaning than their immediate aesthetic. The purpose of their art was simply to create beauty and joy, and to allow us to see familiar landscapes in new ways.
I support this philosophy heavily. But of course you have to be very talented to succeed...Don't all go running at once, trying to create art for art's sake. But I think it's important to realize that not everything has to be over-conceptualized, and in many cases, just let it be- it is what it is.
If you've never seen Christo and Jeanne-Claude's sketches and drawings for/of their work, you're missing out...the Sydney Opera House, above, is just one example. In my opinion, their drawings are just as wonderful as the actual installations.
P.S. My mother worked on Running Fence while she was living in California in the 70's. Christo and Jeanne-Claude had to hire 9 lawyers in order to convince the 59 families of ranchers and authorities to let the work run through their properties, but they ended up paying a $60,000 fine because they lacked permission for the coastal region...
In loving memory of Jeanne-Claude who passed away on November 18, 2009
Beautiful tribute. I didn't know she died. They were an extraordinary couple who manifested their unique vision all over the planet. Thanks, Kate.
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