Art History School | Why did Bulgarian artist Christo wrap up the Reichstag like a Parcel? #art #shorts #arthistory @ArtHistorySchool | Uploaded September 2023 | Updated October 2024, 57 minutes ago.
In the realm of art history, one pivotal event in Germany marked the culmination of historical wounds and the dawn of renewal. In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, but the specter of Nazi-era atrocities still haunted the collective memory of Germany. It wasn't until the 24th of June 1995 that a remarkable transformation unfolded before the eyes of German President Roman Herzog and the world, orchestrated by the visionary Bulgarian artist, Christo.
On that fateful day, Christo and his artist wife Jeanne-Claude embarked on an audacious artistic endeavour - the wrapping of the Reichstag, Germany's iconic Parliament building. This architectural marvel had endured a tumultuous past, gutted by a mysterious fire in 1933, just prior to Hitler's ascent to power. For decades, it stood as a haunting ruin, bearing witness to a dark chapter in history.
The symbolic act of encasing the Reichstag in shimmering fabric became a profound testament to the resilience of the German spirit. It symbolized the nation's determination to shed the remnants of its painful past and emerge anew. The wrapping was a visual metaphor, signifying the healing and reconstruction of a nation scarred by totalitarianism.
On the 6th of July 1995, the cloth cocoon was delicately unraveled, unveiling the rebirth of the Reichstag. Reconstruction, organised by the architect Norman Forster, commenced promptly, allowing the German Parliament to once again in 1999, convene within its hallowed halls, just as it had before the Nazis' devastating reign.
This masterstroke by Christo stands as one of his most poignant and impactful contemporary art works, encapsulating the power of art to heal wounds, reconcile history, and ignite hope in the hearts of a nation seeking redemption. The work was known as Wrapped Reichstag.
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PATREON:
I'd like to thank the following patrons whose support in the making of this video is much appreciated: Dee Ann Havely, Deirdre Feely, Denise Berg, Ivan Gilbert Rappaport, Mary Stewart, Nicolae Opris, S. Ryckman, Tatiana Lostorto, Tina Valentine, Visnja Zeljeznjak, Linda Frazier, Marnie Coutts, Stein Harald Os, Emily Liss, William Scott Griffiths, Dinny Hinds, Patrick Lefebvre, Philip Levene, Alena Sidorkina, Jeff Smith, Ashok Kanagasundram, Olivia McGoldrick, Rahman Yii, Sarah Hirsch, Kevin Coburn, Stacy Schweigler, Jennifer Ranghelli, Deborah Smith, Emily, Carol Tenson, Min A, Colin Parrish, Larry Specht, David Cornwell, Kerri Southern, Yvonne Tsang, Lena Allen, Hüma, Michelle Kunkel, Barbara Perl, Steve Pike, LN, Mary K. Kroner, Kate Emery, Don Kyle, Kathy Anderson, Shirley Trill, Floki, Hristiana Bobeva, David Tate, Henrik, Howard Schwartz, Judy Tuwaletstiwa, Scott Baker, Mikaela Mendoza- Cardenal, Bronagh McCann, Tameries Brito, Paula, David Burt and Susan Valliant
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Paul Priestley
In the realm of art history, one pivotal event in Germany marked the culmination of historical wounds and the dawn of renewal. In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, but the specter of Nazi-era atrocities still haunted the collective memory of Germany. It wasn't until the 24th of June 1995 that a remarkable transformation unfolded before the eyes of German President Roman Herzog and the world, orchestrated by the visionary Bulgarian artist, Christo.
On that fateful day, Christo and his artist wife Jeanne-Claude embarked on an audacious artistic endeavour - the wrapping of the Reichstag, Germany's iconic Parliament building. This architectural marvel had endured a tumultuous past, gutted by a mysterious fire in 1933, just prior to Hitler's ascent to power. For decades, it stood as a haunting ruin, bearing witness to a dark chapter in history.
The symbolic act of encasing the Reichstag in shimmering fabric became a profound testament to the resilience of the German spirit. It symbolized the nation's determination to shed the remnants of its painful past and emerge anew. The wrapping was a visual metaphor, signifying the healing and reconstruction of a nation scarred by totalitarianism.
On the 6th of July 1995, the cloth cocoon was delicately unraveled, unveiling the rebirth of the Reichstag. Reconstruction, organised by the architect Norman Forster, commenced promptly, allowing the German Parliament to once again in 1999, convene within its hallowed halls, just as it had before the Nazis' devastating reign.
This masterstroke by Christo stands as one of his most poignant and impactful contemporary art works, encapsulating the power of art to heal wounds, reconcile history, and ignite hope in the hearts of a nation seeking redemption. The work was known as Wrapped Reichstag.
Please consider subscribing to this channel: youtube.com/c/arthistoryschool?sub_confirmation=1 And supporting this channel on Patreon, patreon.com/paulpriestleyart many thanks!
Interested in DRAWING? Check out my drawing channel: youtube.com/paulpriestleyart
Would you like me to critique your drawing? Sign up here:- https:patreon.com/paulpriestleyart
Follow our Facebook Page: facebook.com/PaulPriestleyArtVideos
Follow our Twitter page: twitter.com/PriestleyonArt
PATREON:
I'd like to thank the following patrons whose support in the making of this video is much appreciated: Dee Ann Havely, Deirdre Feely, Denise Berg, Ivan Gilbert Rappaport, Mary Stewart, Nicolae Opris, S. Ryckman, Tatiana Lostorto, Tina Valentine, Visnja Zeljeznjak, Linda Frazier, Marnie Coutts, Stein Harald Os, Emily Liss, William Scott Griffiths, Dinny Hinds, Patrick Lefebvre, Philip Levene, Alena Sidorkina, Jeff Smith, Ashok Kanagasundram, Olivia McGoldrick, Rahman Yii, Sarah Hirsch, Kevin Coburn, Stacy Schweigler, Jennifer Ranghelli, Deborah Smith, Emily, Carol Tenson, Min A, Colin Parrish, Larry Specht, David Cornwell, Kerri Southern, Yvonne Tsang, Lena Allen, Hüma, Michelle Kunkel, Barbara Perl, Steve Pike, LN, Mary K. Kroner, Kate Emery, Don Kyle, Kathy Anderson, Shirley Trill, Floki, Hristiana Bobeva, David Tate, Henrik, Howard Schwartz, Judy Tuwaletstiwa, Scott Baker, Mikaela Mendoza- Cardenal, Bronagh McCann, Tameries Brito, Paula, David Burt and Susan Valliant
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Paul Priestley
