Running Fence, a Unity of Art Beauty and the One

Running Fence, A Union of Art Beauty and The One

Bryce Paulson

San Francisco State University

The 24.5-mile art installation Running Fence, envisioned and actualized by Christo and Jeanne Claude, took 42 months of work and 3 million dollars to complete. Upon completion, the installation stood for a mere 2 weeks. In order to explain what inspired one couple to pursue and complete such a daunting task, I will use the definition of Art and Beauty provided by Plotinus; to show how the underlying forces affect artists and their work.

To begin I will discuss Christo and Jeannie Claude’s views on the philosophy of art. Following this I will explain Plotinus’ concept of the immaterial and material underlying parts of the universe. This concept will unveil the internal and external processes that lead to Christo and Jeannie Claude design and completion of the Running Fence. I will also address the problems the artists encountered (pertaining to the installation) by addressing the problems themselves as well as the solutions that came about; all through the scope of a Platonic universe. I will conclude with an analysis of Beauty’s connection to the Running Fence, tracing the fence back to the origin of the universe and what occurs on beauties journey.

Christo and Jeanne Claude are self described “Nomadic Artists.” They travel the world looking for places that their Art can be realized. Their works of Art usually only remain for 2 weeks. Due to the large scale, cost, and amount of time involved in their Art; it seems strange why the Art remains such a short time. According to Jeanne Claude, “We wish to create works of art, works of joy and of beauty. As with every true work of art, it has absolutely no purpose whatsoever: it is not a message, it is not a symbol, it is only a work of art. And like every true artist, we create those works of art for us and our collaborators.” Christo believes...