New Yorkers experienced it in Central Park. Floridians experienced it between the causeways and Miami Beach. Italians explored it most recently in the middle of a lake, Lake Iseo. The self-funded works by Christo have exposed millions of patrons to temporary outdoor installations worldwide. As was demonstrated with his (and his late wife’s) installation called The Gates, New York City gained an extra jolt to its artistic heritage and economy. His works enable local communities to benefit economically and aesthetically. His desire to transform parts of Colorado’s Arkansas River in southern Colorado was bound to boost international tourism as worldwide travelers ventured to the rural outpost of his Colorado installation.
Yesterday, however, it was announced that “Over the River” will not be completed. Not because of the pending legal battle with environmentalists and how the land should be used. The artist’s feeling that America should no longer benefit from his talent and vision became the ultimate straw. President Trump’s mere presence as a leader has killed the 20-year desire for Christo to continue. Originally born in a totalitarian Bulgaria, Christo has worked his entire career with the premise that his freedom comes from paying for his every need. Over the River was a 15 million dollar self-funded project. One of the key elements of the installation was to experience what an artificial temporary barrier does to the living elements surrounding the installation. The idea is to freely interact with this artificial barrier. Trump’s actual efforts to “BUILD THAT WALL”, merely designed to separate and prevent freedoms, is where Christo’s desire to explore a life-long passion has ended. The artist’s own website explains that his time is to be better spent on a new project in Abu Dhabi.
(Christo will) … devote all of his energy, time and resources into the realization of The Mastaba, Project for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.