Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Through the Gates and Beyond

Bibliography:

Greenberg, Jan and Sandra Jordan. Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Through the Gates and Beyond. New York: Roaring Book Press, 2008. ISBN: 9781596430716

Summary:

Can you imagine working on a piece of art for 26 years, only to show it to the public for a mere two weeks? Artist couple Christo and Jeane-Claude did exactly that with their installation entitled The Gates in New York’s Central Park. Twenty-three miles of shimmering saffron fabric panels fluttered from 7,503 aluminum frames to the delight and amazement of all who were lucky enough to witness them. Why would anyone go to all the trouble for such a temporary exhibition? Christo and Jeanne-Claude explain: “All of our projects have this fragile quality. They will be gone tomorrow. They have total freedom. That is why they cannot stay. Because freedom is the enemy of possession and possession is equal to permanence. We have to have freedom with no strings attached.” In fact, these massive installations are never sold or collected in museums. The artists spend years in committee meetings, fielding questions and concerns from the public and environmental groups, negotiating permits, and conducting safety studies; to the artists, all of these moments, not just the final product, are each a part of the work of art. As each project draws to an end, all of the materials are recycled, becoming useful objects such as carpet padding and aluminum cans. This gorgeously rendered book features the lives of these two star-crossed artists and their joyful works of art, surveying their artistic vision and zooming in on The Gates as one of their most iconic collaborations.

Critical Analysis:

Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan succeed in creating a beautifully balanced, lyrical and accessible exploration into a truly unique pair of artists. The color photography and vibrant design invites readers into an immersive visual experience (including an unfolding panoramic photo at the center of the book). Quotes from the artists commenting on their works give the reader insights in the artists’ fascinating point of view on temporary art, explaining that for 5,000 years, artists have used many materials and artistic mediums, “but there is one quality they have never used, and that is the quality of love and tenderness that we, human beings, have for what does not last.” Greenberg’s and Jordan’s bibliography includes books, articles, and films created to document these jaw-dropping and ephemeral installations. A chronological list of the artists’ works appears at the end of the text directing readers to the artists’ website. Weaving details about the artists’ lives, projects, and incredible statistics, this artistic tribute holds significant appeal for readers of any age.

Awards and Review Excerpts:

ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2008
NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2009
Booklist: Editor’s Choice
A Horn Book Fanfare

“That they can make understandable to a young audience the concept of public ownership of art, as well as the freedom that comes with releasing the idea of permanence, is a tribute to their writing. Working in tandem are beautifully reproduced photographs (including a fabulous foldout) that chronicles other grand projects, past and future. Solid back matter complements a stunningly designed book that can’t help but excite readers about art. Grades 6-9.” Booklist

“In an immoderately engaging profile of arguably the most visible and widely known public artists alive today, Greenberg and Jordan retrace the duo’s career and capture a sense of the wonder that their large-scale projects evoke… Quoting Jeanne-Claude, “It has no purpose. It is not a symbol. It is not a message,” the authors challenge readers/viewers in simple but never simplistic language to think long thoughts about the nature of art and their own personal responses to it.” Kirkus Reviews

Connections: 

Explore other artists featured by Greenberg and Jordan:
World of Glass: The Art of Dale Chihuly. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2020. ISBN: 1419736817
Meet Cindy Sherman. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2017. ISBN: 1626725209

Explore videos and virtual tours of Christo’s and Jeanne-Claude’s work at their website:
https://christojeanneclaude.net

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