Legacy of Christo, works for realized and unrealized projects

“The Pont Alexandre III Wrapped, Project for Paris 1972-1990”
edition 120, hand collage on lithograph, 1991, h70 x w75cm
(AVAILABLE at Art Front Gallery: Click here to contact us)

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Wrapping bridge

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In the series of wrapping bridges, Pont Alexandre III is one of the earliest projects, first conceived in 1972 . Pont Alexandre III is located in the center of the city of Paris in the axis of Place des Invalides and Grand Palais, so not far from the L’arc of Triomph. The construction of the bridge is a marvel of 19th century engineering, consisting of a 6 meters high single span steel arch, with Art Nouveau lamps.

The Pont Alexandre III, Pari

Christo and Jeanne-Claude, fascinated by this elegant design of the bridge itself, once conceived in 1972. Although this project was not realized, several drawings and collage work were left. Then, the lithograph was produced by Poligrafa, known atelier in Barcelona, with handmade collage. The wrapping canvas and ropes are represented in these collages on lithograph with meticulous technique. These editions are available at Art Front Gallery as one of the unrealized bridge projects.

For all the projects, they put an exhibition including drawings, engineering documents and preparatory documents to record the major projects. It was important for Christo to work with fabric seeing how it catches the light in each environment. Ropes are used to hang canvas on the bridge. The first phases of those project were to convince the public bureaucracy or residents to agree on or accept project. In case of Pont-Neuf, understanding of the locals were especially important. The fabric was manufactured in Germany and Northern France.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude made preparatory studies with purpose of raising funds. Being self-financed is one of the unique systems of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The Pont-Neuf project stayed up for two weeks and the people could experience the essence of project walking on the bridge.

Pont-Neuf Wrapped, 1985, poster with signature of Christo

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The Umbrellas, Joint Project for Japan and USA

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Art Front Gallery acquired the work of “The Pont Alexandre III, Wrapped” in early 90’, where Christo was preparing his famous joint project of Umbrella in both Japan and USA. “The Umbrellas, Japan and USA 1884-91”, reflected the similarities and differences in use of the land in two inland valleys.

The Umbrellas, Joint project for Japan and USA
Pencil, cloth, pastel, charcoal, crayon, enamel paint, map
(AVAILABLE at Art Front Gallery: Click here to contact us)


In Ibaraki Prefecture, having rural area in the north of Tokyo, featured the properties of 459 private landowners and governmental agencies. A total of 3100 umbrellas, 1340 in yellow for Japan and 1760 in blue for USA which stood up with the steel bases: They were bolted to the receiving sleeves and supported the Umbrellas to an upright closed position.
Total amount of funds for temporary work of art is entirely financed by the artist in self-financing through the company under the name of Jeanne-Claude Christo-Javacheff.

The installation view: Art Front Selection 2020 autumn

These drawings and hand collage on lithograph　left by Christo are thus heritage of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, closely related to their projects, both realized and unrealized. “The Pont Alexandre III Wrapped” , though not realized, surely represented the passion of young Christo and Jeanne-Claude for the city of Paris, just like the “L’arc de Triomphe” finally realized. We appreciate very much your interest in our available works:
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