

A man wraps entire coastlines in fabric and somehow the government lets him.
“Christo: Works in Progress” takes us around the world on a showcase of the artist’s grand environmental installations. With both critique and praise from members of the communities that have hosted Christo and his works, the film takes a deep look into the process and outcome of pieces such as Wrapped Coast, Running Fence, and Wrapped Walkways. While discussing his inspirations and motives, Christo states, “The work of art is not the fabric, steel poles and cable, the work of art is the hills and the ocean, the sky, the gates, the rocks, the people, the light- this is the work of art.” (Christo Vladimirov Javacheff) Though his work may appear to be visually distracting from the landscapes he creates in, Christo’s aim is to bring attention to the land itself and encourage people to take note of their surroundings.
Production
Unprecedented access to massive-scale installations most will never see in person.
Cinematography
Aerial shots of wrapped landscapes transform into abstract paintings.

Director
Michael Blackwood
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Christo and Jeanne-Claude funded every project entirely through selling Christo's preparatory drawings and collages, refusing all grants or sponsorships.
The Running Fence project faced 18 public hearings and three lawsuits, becoming a case study in how land art forces democratic conversations about public space.
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