They were born at the same hour, same day and year, on June 13, 1935 but they grew up in different parts of the world. He was a refugee from Bulgaria and she came from a military family in Casablanca, Morocco.  Perhaps, serendipitous or what some might call divine destiny, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude met in Paris in 1958, and were united. In 1964, the couple moved to New York City and discovered home.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude were compelled by an artistic vision. In 1979, they approached New York City officials with a magnificent proposal to create art in the heart of the city.   Specifically, in Central Park, where they imagined thousands of gates draped in billowing saffron fabric, coursing through miles of the park’s scenic paths as a river of color.

Oddly enough, Christo and Jeanne-Claude were met with caustic cynicism and a wall of unshakable resistance. Not only were their motives questioned but so was the value of such an expensive undertaking was controvercial. Even though, the artists did not want funding for their multi-million dollar project that was anticipated to generate substantial revenue for New York. Ultimately, after two years of arduous attempts at persuasion the project was rejected.

Twenty-four years passed, and still Christo and Jeanne-Claude were passionate about realizing their dream. This time Mayor, Michael Bloomberg approved their proposal without any hesitation. Documentary footage by the Maysle brothers highlighted the diverse reaction of New Yorkers as The Gates concept was first introduced. Later, Mr. Ferrara joined the effort, which culminated in this visually stunning documentary. Ferrara described the five year making of the film as “an incredible opportunity and challenge to realize the impossible.”

The Gates contrasting color amid winter's stark bleakness was a glorious Hallelujah. The Gates intertwined with the landscape of Central Park to form a unique intimacy in the dance of life. Some hoped that the artists would extend The Gates beyond the planned 16 days, to which the artists responded, “Our works are temporary in order to endow the works of art with a feeling of urgency to be seen, and the love and tenderness brought by the fact that they will not last. Those feelings are usually reserved for other temporary things such as childhood and our own life. These are valued because we know that they will not last. We want to offer this feeling of love and tenderness to our works”.

 Postscript:  Mayor Bloomberg announced, “The Gates attracted over 4 million visitors to Central Park and generated an estimated $254 million in economic activity.  The full economic impact of The Gates was felt not only in areas surrounding Central Park, but in hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions across the City. Christo and Jeanne-Claude financed the entire cost of The Gates and did not accept any forms of sponsorship. The artists, did not accept volunteer support, but instead provided paid employment for 1,100 workers – including nearly 700 New York City residents – for the assembly, installation, maintenance, security, and removal of the work of art. They also donated $3 million to the City for programs and operations both in Central Park and other City parks.”

Truly, for Christo and Jeanne-Claude this was a labor of love for Beauty’s sake. 

Liz Sorensen Wessel

Original art sketches of The Gates and spectacular imagery can be viewed at the artist's website below. The HBO film, The Gates is readily available via media. 

http://www.christojeanneclaude.net/projects/the-gates

Photo: The Gates, courtesy Wikipedia