"Because we do not sell photographs, we have no royalties on books, posters, postcards"
- Christo
About this Quote
Christo Vladimirov Javacheff, commonly called Christo, was a Bulgarian-American artist renowned for his massive ecological installations. He typically dealt with his partner Jeanne-Claude, and together they developed art work that were short-term, involving wrapping or draping fabric over architectural structures, landscapes, and public areas. The quote you offered, "Because we do not sell pictures, we have no royalties on books, posters, postcards," indicates a basic aspect of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's artistic philosophy and their unusual technique to moneying their art.
In this statement, Christo highlights an essential aspect of their practice: the refusal to commodify the art through conventional means such as offering photos or reproductions of their installations. This choice originates from their intention to keep the stability of their work as ephemeral and experiential, rather than as challenge be owned or commercialized. For Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the emphasis was on the experience of art as a time-bound event, where the audience's encounter with the operate in its physical context was vital.
By not profiting from reproductions, Christo underscores their commitment to moneying their jobs through the sale of preparatory sketches, illustrations, and models. This distinct technique permitted them to maintain complete creative control over their work, free from external influences that may feature corporate sponsorship or public funding. It also reflects a wider commentary on the nature of art as an experience rather than a commodity-- an obstacle to the standard art markets that typically put worth on permanence and ownership.
In addition, the quote can be seen as a declaration on the democratization of art. By not depending on royalties from reproductions, Christo and Jeanne-Claude's work ends up being available and easily experienced by anybody who experiences it within its short-lived lifespan. In this way, their art goes beyond business restraints, highlighting the universality and temporality of the human experience, and welcoming a shared reflection on the transient charm and impermanence of life itself.
About the Author