This is an Annotated Bibliography on the works and lives of the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude by Towson University student Janice Crum
The art of Christo and Jeanne-Claude is known worldwide. Their large scale environmental art is meant to broaden peoples perception of their own surroundings. Often using fabric in expansive landscapes, Christo has created an art which no one yet has emulated. These bibliographical sources below provide detailed accounts of the processes he goes through to create the art that he is known so well for. Many of the resouces contain images of their works and give an introspective view of how their work is accomplished.
Books
Alloway, Lawrence. Christo. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1970.
This small book contains an introduction that briefly describes Christo and his work. After the introduction written by Lawrence Alloway are photographs of Christo’s works both color and black and white. This book concisely presents his work and the author accurately describes Christo’s style and artistic intentions.
Archer, Michael. Art Since 1960. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1997.
Archer gives an overview of the artistic achievements of 1960 and on. Numerous artists are briefly described and in most cases a photograph to accompany a description of their art. Christo and other artists that created “Environmental Art” are included with examples of their work.
Arnason, H.H., Prather, Marla F., and Wheeler, Daniel. History of Modern Art. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1998.
This rather large book is an expansive examination of modern art. It chronologically presents art that includes the works of Christo as well as other artists of his movement. It contains useful information about his art and about modern art in general.
Atkins, Robert. Art Speak. New York: Abbeville Press Publishers, 1997.
This is basically an art dictionary. It is helpful to understanding the terms used in other texts. It also covers a wide range of concepts and movements necessary to understanding the art itself.
Beardsley, John. Earthworks and Beyond. New York: Abbeville Press Publishers, 1989.
This book is about the kind of art that Christo and his wife Jeanne-Claude create. It talks about the artist who spear-headed this movement. It gives lots of beautiful photos and a rich description of environmental art.
Blistene, Bernard. A History of 20th-Century Art. New York: Flammarion, 1998.
This is an extremely organized presentation of art from the 20th century. It gives thumbnails of art. It gives a good sense of the order in which certain movements in art occurred and when environmental art made its debut.
Journals
Boyce, Nell. “Helping fantasies stand up to reality”. U.S. News. 197 (April 2004): 28-31.
This article talks about Christo’s newest work. It discusses the process and progress of Christo setting up his art in Central Park. It covers the more realistic or practical aspects of how Christo and Jeanne-Claudes art is put together.
Davis, Gordan J.,“Christo Reconsidered”.The Wall Street Journal.304 (July 2003): 44-46.
This article is about the initial decision to allow Christo and Jeanne-Claude to set up a piece in Central Park. This article goes over what their plans were before the project even got started and gives a good idea of how a project such as “The Gates” gets started.
Kim, Sheila.“Finally Christo”. Interior Design. 113 (April 2004): 15.
This small article is also about “The Gates” project in New York. Kim talks about how long Christo and his wife have waited to do the project. It gives an interesting look at the anticipation that came along with the project.
Kuntzman, Gersh. “Christo at the Gates”. Newsweek. 208 (March 2002): 32-34.
In greater detail this article goes over the tedious process of being able to to the project in New York’s Central Park. The columnist talks to Christo about the project and talks to New York officials about the decision to allow the project to proceed. It is useful in understanding Christo’s continued efforts to do environmental art.
Web Sites
Christo and Jeanne-Claude. 2003. Available [Online]: http://www.christojeanneclaude.net/
This website is actually supported by Christo and Jeanne-Claude themselves. It is a comprehensive website that gives insight into what projects they are currently working on as well as other works. They answer questions and give basic information about their work and environmental art in general.
Mantegna, Gianfranco. Christo and Jeanne-Claude: An Interview. 1995. Available [Online]: http://www.jca-online.com/christo.html [October 7, 2004]
This is an interview with only Christo. He answers questions about his inspiration and technique and discusses personal issues as well. This gives more insight into the artist himself and not just his work.
Plett, Nicole. Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Unwrapped. February 19, 1997. Available [Online]: http://www.princetoninfo.com/christo.html
This article gives an in depth look at both artists. The two are shown not only as artists but as people, as a couple, constantly working together. This article gives a different perspective of the artists and their lives and work.
Robert Smithson. 2003. Available [Online]: http://www.robertsmithson.com [October 7, 2004]
Robert Smithson is the man who lead the way for the Environmental Artists. His work gave Christo a chance to make his art. This website is dedicated to this artist and his works, both recent and older.