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Christo and Jeanne-Claude facts for kids

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"Christo" redirects here. For other people with the name, see Christo (name).
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Christo and Jeanne-Claude
Jean-Claude and Christo, May 2009 (4) (cropped).jpg
Jeanne-Claude and Christo in May 2009
Known for Environmental art
Notable work
 Running Fence
The Gates
The Floating Piers
Movement Nouveau réalisme
Environmental art
Awards Praemium Imperiale
Born
Christo Vladimirov Javacheff

(1935-06-13)June 13, 1935
Gabrovo, Bulgaria
Died May 31, 2020(2020-05-31) (aged 84)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Education Sofia Academy of Fine Arts
Vienna Academy of Fine Arts
Born
Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon

(1935-06-13)June 13, 1935
Casablanca, French Morocco
Died November 18, 2009(2009-11-18) (aged 74)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Education Self–taught

Christo Vladimirov Javacheff (1935–2020) and Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon (1935–2009), known as Christo and Jeanne-Claude, were artists noted for their large-scale, site-specific environmental installations, often large landmarks and landscape elements wrapped in fabric, including the Wrapped Reichstag, The Pont Neuf Wrapped, Running Fence in California, and The Gates in New York City's Central Park.

Born on the same day in Bulgaria and Morocco, respectively, the pair met and married in Paris in the late 1950s. Originally working under Christo's name, they later credited their installations to both "Christo and Jeanne-Claude". Until his own death in 2020, Christo continued to plan and execute projects after Jeanne-Claude's death in 2009.

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. The pair refused grants, scholarships, donations or public money, instead financing the work via the sale of their own artwork.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude described the myriad elements that brought the projects to fruition as integral to the artwork itself, and said their projects contained no deeper meaning than their immediate aesthetic impact; their purpose being simply for joy, beauty, and new ways of seeing the familiar.

Images for kids

  • Agoncillo - Würth Rioja, Museo 30 - Christo

    Würth Rioja wrapped chairs

  • Christo Rifle Gap

    Valley Curtain (1972)

  • Pont Neuf emballé par Christo (1985)

    The Pont Neuf Wrapped (1985)

  • Umbrella Project1991 10 27

    The Umbrellas (1991)

  • The Floating Piers from Rocca di Monte Isola - P1000799 straighten

    The Floating Piers (2016)

  • "The Mastaba" massive sculpture, floating in the Serpentine (geograph 5815024)

    The London Mastaba (2018)

  • Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped, Paris (51549547634)

    L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped (2021)

  • Christo by Erling Mandelmann

    Young Christo

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Christo y Jeanne-Claude para niños

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