Running Fence, Project for Sonoma and Marin Counties, California [bottom panel] 1976

This drawing by Christo is a study for his large-scale temporary artwork, Running Fence, conceived in the 1970s. The dominant symbol here is, of course, the fence itself – a stark white line cutting through the natural landscape of California. The fence, historically, represents division, separation, and boundary. Yet, in Christo’s work, it also becomes a unifying element, a flowing ribbon that highlights the contours of the land. Consider the ancient Roman walls, built to protect and divide, or even the Berlin Wall, a symbol of ideological division. Christo subverts this notion. His fence, made of fabric, is temporary and permeable. It invites dialogue rather than imposing a barrier. This gesture towards impermanence and fluidity resonates deeply. It speaks to our collective, perhaps subconscious, desire to overcome divisions and find harmony with our environment. The fence is a symbol that is constantly redefined. It evokes a powerful emotional response, challenging our perceptions of space, boundaries, and the very nature of connection.