Valley Curtain (USA) 1972

This is a photograph of the "Valley Curtain," a piece made by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in Colorado between 1970 and 1972. This striking orange curtain spans an entire valley, a bold disruption of the natural landscape. The curtain, reminiscent of theatrical drapery, evokes ancient associations. Think of the veil of the Temple in Jerusalem, a powerful symbol that separated the sacred from the profane. Or even the simple act of drawing a curtain to mark the beginning or end of a performance. This same psychological impact is visible in the drapery, producing a sense of anticipation and revelation. Christo and Jeanne-Claude's orange fabric, however, doesn't just separate, it also invites. The color, vibrant and warm, welcomes viewers into a dialogue with nature. It encourages a re-evaluation of the landscape, transforming something familiar into something new and emotionally charged. Thus, we see the enduring power of a simple motif—the curtain—reappearing across time, altered by context, yet still capable of triggering deep-seated emotions and memories.