Christo (b. 1935-2020, Bulgaria) developed a distinctive artistic style by wrapping found objects and architectural landmarks in cloth. His renowned installations spanned continents, from the shores of the West Coast in the USA to the eastern reaches of Japan, transforming public spaces into captivating works of art. Notable projects include "The Gates" in Central Park, the coastline of Little Bay in Sydney, Australia, and the iconic L'Arc de Triomphe in Paris, among many others. These temporary installations, captured in photographs, illustrations, and lithographs by Christo, serve as enduring testaments to his creative vision and are often sold to support future endeavors.
Christo received his education at the Fine Arts Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria, before seeking refuge in Vienna following the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. He later settled in Paris, where he exhibited alongside the nouveaux réalistes and met his wife and lifelong collaborator, Jean Claude, in 1959. The couple relocated to New York City five years later, embarking on a prolific career marked by large-scale installations that defined their artistic partnership. Today, Christo and Jean Claude's collaborative works are featured in esteemed institutions worldwide, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York, Tate in London, and the Art Institute of Chicago.