This collage consists of two parts.
The wrapped Reichstag by Christo and Jean-Claude, to which the collage refers, is undoubtedly one of the world's most significant and impressive artworks in public space. Although the idea for this project originated in the early 1970s, it took more than two decades until, after years of controversial discussions, it was finally approved by the German Bundestag in 1994. The covering process itself, carried out by 90 climbers and 120 workers, was an important part of the artwork, which was on display for a fortnight in the summer of 1995 and can be interpreted as a symbol of new beginnings, freedom and democracy, especially after the reunification of Germany.
As Christo said about the material fabric, which in this case included about 100,000 square metres of polypropylene fabric:
“Throughout the history of art, the use of fabric has been a fascination for artists. From the most ancient times to the present, fabric forming folds, pleats and draperies is a significant part of paintings, frescoes, reliefs and sculptures made of wood, stone and bronze. The use of fabric on the Reichstag followed the classical tradition. Fabric, like clothing or skin, is fragile, it translates the unique quality of impermanence.”
While the wrapped Reichstag itself was conceived as a temporary installation, collages, drawings, models as well as graphics were created in the course of the project that are to be understood as independent artworks. In the combination of fabric, photography and drawing, this collage opens up a very unique view of the depicted subject.
Christo and Jean-Claude, who met in Paris and married in 1960, worked closely together until Jean-Claude's death in 2009. Together they realised various large-scale projects, including "Running Fence" (1976) in California, "Surrounded Islands" (1983) near Miami, the wrapped Pont Neuf in Paris (1985) and "The Gates" (2005) in Central Park, New York. Most recently, the wrapping of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (2021) was realised after Christo's death (2020). The wrapping and covering of objects, buildings and landscapes has been part of the couple's artistic practice from the very beginning. Christo and Jean-Claude always financed their projects themselves in order to guarantee their artistic autonomy.
