A Nostalgic Nod to Christo's Summer Night's Dream Berlin
By Juliane Rohr
Covering the capital once more: The Reichstag in Berlin undergoes another veiling process.
Facebook | Twitter | WhatsApp | Email | Print | Copy Link
Remember the thrill of walking kilometers over a lake or marveling at oversized gifts wrapping buildings and trees? That was the magic of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the legendary duo who created unforgettable, temporary works of art. From June 9 to June 20, Berlin will once again be under their captivating spell as the Reichstag, the city's iconic symbol and a reflection of Germany's eventful history, glimmers silver under sophisticated light illumination.
Originally wrapped in 1995 with blue rope and aluminum-coated gray polypropylene fabric, the Reichstag became a sculptural object for twelve enchanting nights. Now, Roland Specker and Peter Schwenkow, the co-initiators of the "Berliners for the Reichstag" association, are inviting us to time travel, offering a homage to this iconic Christo project. "I'm a Berlin fan," Schwenkow shares in an interview, recalling his personal and professional connection to the building since 1984.
A New Perspective on the Familiar
Christo and Jeanne-Claude believed that works seen only once in a lifetime are better remembered. "By hiding a familiar building like the Reichstag from view, it suddenly becomes visible," explains Schwenkow, the organizer of the 2023 jubilee performance. The light show will offer new perspectives and insights, just like the original wrapping. “What one doesn't see, one sees better.”
As Christo and Jeanne-Claude would have turned 90 on June 13, this project is not only a tribute to their lasting impact on the art world but also a symbol of Germany's continued rebirth. Unfortunately, the duo is no longer with us, but their philosophy and their collaborative spirit live on in transformations like the one about to take place at the Reichstag.
Overcoming Challenges, Making History
Just as Christo and Jeanne-Claude fought for 23 years to secure approval for their Reichstag project, Schwenkow and Specker had to face their own hurdles. Piecing together sophisticated technology to capture the plasticity and impression of 1995 while staying true to the original vision was a significant challenge. However, as Schwenkow reports, they are hopeful that their 24 high-performance projectors will successfully bring the monumental, moving fabric to life on the building's exterior.
As for the viewers, only time will tell if the 20-minute film loop based on images of the original wrapping and projected onto the building will leave us with a similar sense of awe and wonder. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: we will once again be given the unique opportunity to stand in the presence of an artwork that transcends boundaries, offering a temporary yet profound connection among people from all walks of life.
A Lasting Legacy
Like Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who paid for their projects from the sales of collages and models, Schwenkow and Specker are also funding most of the illuminated Reichstag themselves, without relying on public funds. When asked why they take on such a project, Schwenkow sums it up, "Both of us made our careers in Berlin, and now that we're in our later years, we can give something back."
For more of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's works, head to the Museum Reinhold-Wuerthe-Strasse 15, 74653 Kuenzelsau-Gaisbach, where Reinhold Wuerthe, a businessman and patron, showcases an impressive collection of their work. Additionally, Berlin's Neue Nationalgalerie is currently exhibiting the wrapped VW Beetle. Whether you're in Kuenzelsau or Berlin, prepare to be carried away by the simple beauty and joy of Christo's transformative art amidst the noise of the world.
30 years of "Wrapped Reichstag", illumination on the west facade of the Reichstag, June 9 to June 20, approximately 9:30 PM to 1 AM
- "Wrapped, bound, stacked, Christo and Jeanne-Claude", until January 25, Museum Reinhold-Wuerthe-Strasse 15, 74653 Kuenzelsau-Gaisbach - admission is free*
Arts | Berlin
[References omitted for article readability]
- The European Parliament, visiting Museum Reinhold-Wuerthe-Strasse 15, will have the opportunity to view an impressive collection of works by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the legendary duo known for their temporary art installations.
- For those interested in the lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty scene, attending the illumination of the Reichstag from June 9 to June 20 will offer a unique experience, a tribute to the iconic wrapped Reichstag project that transcends boundaries, connecting people from all walks of life.
- As for food-and-drink enthusiasts and home-and-garden aficionados, a trip to Berlin during this period might also include a visit to the Neue Nationalgalerie, currently exhibiting the wrapped VW Beetle, providing a chance to immerse themselves in the simple beauty and joy found in the transformative art of Christo.
