Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Miles from the Mainstream
D. R. ZUKERMAN, proprietor
Gates Retrospective II

FEBRUARY 12, 2006 --

Thank you Christo and Jeanne Claude for your inspiration and commitment to an idea.

"The Gates" the work of art conceived in 1979 by Christo and Jeanne-Claude for Central Park and, 26 years later, placed on the park as canvas under the direction of the artists and Chief Engineer and
Director of Construction Vince Davenport and his wife, Project Director Jonita Davenport, underscored for this writer, not only the artistic spark, but the indomitable endurance of the human spirit.


Vince and Jonita Davenport.


There is a 1980 photo of Christo and Jeanne Claude, accompanied by their attorney, Theodore Kheel, well-known in New York City more than a quarter century ago, as a labor negotiator, meeting with then Parks Commissioner Gordon Davis.

This writer felt some poignancy seeing the photo -- of the artists and their attorney looking relatively young in 1980. Mr. Kheel
was spotted at the press conference held at the Metropolitan Museum the day before "The Gates" were unfurled -- he, in particular, looked a good deal older
after 25 years.

The exclusive photographer for the artists is Wolfgang Volz.

This writer was just one of the many thousands of people who were drawn to "The Gates" and took many personal photographs of them.

Certainly this writer makes no claim that these photos are comparable to those of the noted Mr. Volz. They are posted here, one year later, in appreciation -- of the creativity and endurance of the artists, the engineering and practical skills of the
Davenports -- and of Mayor Bloomberg, backed by Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Central Park Administrator Douglas Blonsky, who was willing to give
the go-ahead to an imaginative work of art that previous City administrations could not accept.

These photos, then, are posted as retrospective for LPR clicksters around the world not only as a reminder of the work of art that was on display in Central
Park,one year ago -- but of the lesson given us by Christo and Jeanne-Claude that, in time one's dream can become reality, one's ideas can find acceptance.


Shana posing with Balto and the Gates in Central Park.


Billowing Gates …

Gates standing out in the snow, a year ago.


More Gates in the snow.


The Gates with a view of Mid-town Manhattan in the background.


The Gates - close-up.


The Gates in the Southeast Corner of Central Park.


Gates - Harlem - Meer …


   

Christo and Jeanne-Claude.


Jeanne-Claude and Christo walking through their creation …


The Gates line up like soldiers in a row.


An overview …


Gates parading around Heckscher Field.


Running through the Gates in matching color..


The Gates line Central Park West.


Gates around the Wollman Rink with a great view of the skyline.


The Gates at the Wollman Rink.


The Gates backing the famous Alexander Hamilton statue.


The Gates shine in the mid-day light.


Gates reflecting the morning sun.


The Gates loook impressive even as their reflection.


A Gate Waving …