For the second time after the installation The Wall, Christo has created a monumental work for the Gasometer Oberhausen, a former gas holder in Oberhausen, Germany, which has been converted into an exhibition space. The new work is called Big Air Package. It’s a gigantic balloon, made from 20,350 square meters of semitransparent polyester fabric and 4,500 meters of rope.
Big Air Package is the largest indoor sculpture in the world. It measures 90 meters in height and 50 meters in diameter. Visitors can enter the inner space of the balloon through airlocks. Inside, Big Air Package reminds of a cathedral that is filled with a diffuse light. Big Air Package is the first project realized without Christo’s late wife and artistic partner Jeanne-Claude.
Big Air Package is accompanied by a retrospective exhibition that provides the visitors with an overview of the most important works by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. It features large-sized photographs, films and sketches. The exhibition is curated by Peter Pachnicke, project director for Big Air Package is Wolfgang Volz. Big Air Package is on view until December 30, 2013.
Christo: Big Air Package. Gasometer Oberhausen. Exhibition walkthrough, August 23, 2013.
PS: More videos on Christo and Jeanne-Claude are available in our archive.
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