Defying categorization and parameters
of installation and land art, Christo
(b. 1935, Gabrovo, Bulgaria, American)
and Jeanne–Claude’s (1935–2009,
b. Casablanca, Morocco, American) six-
decade career is defined by an unhindered
vision and grand landmark installations.
Christo’s prints of wrapped buildings,
such as Allied Chemical Tower Packed,
1971, initially served as project proposals
to wrap Manhattan skyscrapers. In
1964, he and Jeanne–Claude—his life
and creative partner—were inspired to
alter the city skyline when arriving from
Europe aboard the SS France. After
repeated rejections of project ideas in
Lower Manhattan, they sought to wrap
the Allied Chemical Tower, No. 1, the
former headquarters of The New York
Times in Times Square. This and all of
their proposed projects in New York City
would go unrealized until the installation
Gates, Central Park, New York, 1979–
2005 that references the extensive period
from their initial proposal until the project
was finally approved by New York City’s
mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
–Affinities and Outliers: Highlights from the University at Albany Fine Art Collections

–American Playlist: Selections From The University At Albany Art Collections