With its bare trees and gusts of wind, New York City's Central Park can be bleak in the winter. But for 16 days next February, it will be brightened by 7,500 gates draped in brilliant saffron-coloured fabric. Bulgarian-born Christo and his wife, Jeanne-Claude - the artist couple best known for wrapping large landmarks such as Berlin's Reichstag in swaths of fabric - are going to turn one of the world's best-known public spaces into an installation called The Gates.
The idea for the project came decades ago. It was conceived as a much smaller work called One Thousand Gates, which was proposed to then-New York City Parks Commissioner Gordon J. David in April 1980. A 23-year battle ensued that involved the couple, the City Council of New York, their lawyer and local community boards. Finally, in January last year, the artists got approval from long-time friend Michael Bloomberg, who is now New York City mayor.
Beginning on February 12 next year, thousands of 5.3-metre gates will extend over 37km of Central Park walkways, stretching from 59th Street to 110th Street, from Central Park West to Fifth Avenue.
'The saffron colour evokes autumn foliage and was chosen for its striking luminosity when set against a wintry backdrop of leafless trees,' says Jeanne-Claude. The artists say they chose a design that would celebrate both the man-made and natural aspects of the city park.
For those walking underneath, The Gates will look like a golden ceiling, mixing with sunlight to create warm shadows. When seen from the tops of buildings surrounding Central Park, The Gates will look like a series of golden rivers snaking through the park, emphasising its organic nature, in contrast to the geometric grid pattern of the surrounding Manhattan streets.
For more than 40 years, the artists have collaborated on many grand outdoor projects with organic themes. These included stretching 255,000 square metres of nylon between two counties in Running Fence, Sonoma and Marin Counties, California 1972-76.