Good Morning ...

Just to get you in the mood ...


When Shirin posted about this a few months back I decided it was something to see and all the news stories this past weekend just reinforced that desire. I made it into the city yesterday.

These are the first three I selected ...





Central Park is many things, including a resevoir of many, many statues ... this one is my all time favorite ... its in the upper 70's on the East Side, just below the art museum and just north of the toy boat pond.



For those familiar with Central Park, I criss-crossed from Columbus Circle to almost the Art Museum, then across the southern portion of the Great Lawn towards the castle and theater ... down CPW and in the park again at Strawberry Fields ... then back across the park to Grand Army Plaza ... one huge 25 block "X"

I am feeling it today ...

Barry

Thanks for sharing the pics and the commentary, Barry!

As far as the "gates" go, I don't feel moved by them whatsoever. My first impression of them was the things that hang down in a "brushless" car wash. My second impression was that of a towel rack.

I find it hard to believe that someone would pay 21 million dollars for something that will only remain in place for 16 days.

My negative feelings towards the gates should not be construed as negativism towards your post. I appreciate when people post pictures with commentary here at the CF. Let's see more of your photos when you get the time to post them.

Bob

Bob,

... a third impression I read said it looked like a massive ad for The Home Depot ...

I "GOOGLED" the Gates under news and there are presently 104 articles listed ... and, without counting, I sensed maybe a third were negative ...

In my mind, it is unique and it cost the people of NYC zero. Did I like it? I'm still not sure ... the scope and execution are more than impressive ... but I felt like the mouse in the maze at times. If you perched high on the rocks and took in the realm of the project, especially as gusts of wind blew through, I thought it was much more impresssive than walking through them.

Still, I don't think, with the opportunity, I would have stayed away ...

Barry

Barry,

I'm more of Bob's opinion on this type of thing.

I just don't have the type of mind required to appreciate the artisticness of these type of endeavours- I don't get the point or the intrinsic beauty of things like having thousands of people strip and lie in the street either.

There is a gallery near us that my wife belongs to and enjoys greatly- I think it has mostly pretentious crap in it. It comes down to that old saying- that's why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

I have simple tastes when it comes to art and if it takes a detailed explanation for me to see the point of the piece it's not art to me. I don't have a problem with other people enjoying it- just isn't for me.

This latest exhibition in Central Park comes under the same heading for me- although I may end up seeing it this weekend as we are going into NYC to see Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays on Saturday. I'll probably go if my wife wants to- turn about is fair play.

Dennis

I, personally LOVE The Gates. I am ADDICTED to The Gates. I havn't seen them yet, but Friday I'm going in with my mom, and we're going to walk them with a friend of hers. I am ticking off the hours.

I can understand why people don't like them. Art is percieved differently by all. I, personally, love this kind of art. Some people consider the traditional oil painting the pinnacle of art. I find them nice, but boring.

These days, art exists in so many fashions. There's painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, and abstract, physical (like The Gates) forms. It all comes down to taste.

I'm looking forward to sharing my photographs with you on Friday. I like Barry's shots, and want to get angles like those, with The Gates shown for their full. We'll see how they come on Friday.

Dennis,

I understand what you are saying ...

Looking over a shoulder, here is one person's intepretation of The Gates ...



He's looking at the southeast entrance to the park, the Plaza Hotel under his right arm, the GM Building almost in the center ...

Well, that's someone's idea of art, too.

Barry

Thanks for the great pictures, Barry. I'm afraid that is not quite what I would think of as art, but then again, art like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. I know it took them alot of time and money and I appreciate their effort. But, to me it looks like laundry day

I am sorry but it seems to be a waste of a perfectly good park.. Maybe the artist can give all the money he wasted on this "art" to some NY Children's hospital the next time and do something good with it..

BTW if anything ever qualified for the Nothing To Do With Anything Forum... this is it!!

This is the thing that is great about Christo and Jeanne-Claude's work - it causes controversy. We've got people like me who are gushing over it, put up next to people like Paul, who are gushing blood over it.

That's the thing about art...some people will love it, and some will hate it. There's no "moo point".

While very different, the gates are kind of interesting. Thanks for sharing your pictures, Barry.

I would have to agree with Paul that there has to be a better use for all the money that went into the display.

The one thing I'm surprised hasn't been mentioned deals with all the orange. I wonder if the Tennessee fans are planning a trip to what would have to be a shrine for them...... Suppose you could say something similar for Stephen's Orangemen at Syracuse.

I just got back from The Gates. All I can say is....WOW. There are some places that you just sit there, dumbfounded, by the beauty.

We're heading down to DC to visit the new Air and Space Museum in Dulles, so I can't post the pictures until I get back. But one VERY cool story.

As we were walking around, we saw these three Maybachs (super Mercedes for the super rich) driving down the park. Obviously, someone famous was in the area, but the cars were empty. They had police escorts, mounted guards, the whole nine yards.

We had lunch, and walked more Gates. As we were walking along the Lake, the Maybachs came up and stopped. Then the doors opened, and...

CHRISTO AND JEANNE-CLAUDE CAME OUT!

A huge war whoop came out. People were yelling "thank you" and cheering. They walked along about 1/4 mile of Gates, then walked back to the cars. A mob of people and papparazi followed them. Somehow, I was able to get right up to their car as they got in, and shot the two of them.

I'll post the picture when I get home...but wanted to relate that story.

See you all tommorow...

_greg the famous artist chaser

"Holy strawberries, Batman, is Greg in a jam!!" I could see the papers now: "Youth shoots artists and confesses on Collector Forum!"

Sorry, Greg. I just couldn't resist... LOL

Bob

Greg,

Glad you enjoyed your trip to the City. The Gates isn't my thing but I can appreciate that many get something out of it.

Esther and I were in NYC yesterday to see 700 Sundays with Billy Crystal. Somehow I managed to escape going to see the Gates.

It might have been my scathing response when Esther asked about them.

I figured I could get away with saying No since we were already going to a show and dinner.

Look forward to the pictures- maybe I'll change my mind about the Gates.

Dennis

Dennis,

How I envy you seeing Billy Crystal's one man show ... hope it lived up to the reviews.

I chose to view The Gates more as an event than as art ... others must have felt the same way becasue gaffitti is at a minimum, park crowds are record breaking for February, and the hushed observance is more like visiting a cathedral than an art exhibit.

It was an opportunity to see something unique, the scope probably never again duplicated ... although maybe I wouldn't argue the point that "having seen one, you may well have seen them all ..."

Barry

Barry,

The Billy Crystal show did live up to the reviews and then some.

He was "Simply, Mahvoulus"

He did lose some of the audience a couple of times when he made some politically charged comments and I think some were a bit surprised at the amount of times that the "F" word was used but overall he had the audience in his hand the entire way.

The second "act" is a bit more maudlin than the first but it had many up moments as well.

I understand your point on the Gates as an event not as art. I chose not to participate in either.

Like I said I got away with it because I was already taking Esther to the Bily Crystal show.

It's always possible that Billy will take the show on the road. He even mentioned that the genesis of the show was a show he did in Seattle in 2001.

Anything is possible- including a release of a DVD of the Broadway show.

Dennis

We gave my grandpartents tickets to 700 Sundays for Christmas. The original engagement was sold out, but they have extended it through May. We were finally able to get them tickets thanks to Amex Platinum Benefits. They can't wait!

Greg,

I'm sure they'll enjoy it. I made the mistake of not purchasing the tickets when the first went on sale with the AMEX Presale and had to buy them on eBay after telling my wife I would take her as a christmas present.

They were not supposed to extend the show- the specifically said it wouldn't happen and right after I bought my tickets on ebay they added more shows. I was not particularrly pleased by that, but what the heck. you only go around once.

Dennis

I thought the Gates were very interesting. If there was some sort of symbolism or deep meaning, I gotta be honest: I missed it completely. What I do know is that NYC has a huge hit on their hands. THOUSANDS of people all over the park, just to see this massive art installation. The crowd was a cross section of the whole city...even the world. Just the people watching makes it worthwhile, but the various views and angles from which you can see the Gates make it a worthwhile and engaging experience, love it or hate it, it's an experience one must have if you get the chance.

Here are a few photos I got of them this past Saturday (also my first time in NYC).











Hope you all enjoy!

Nice photos, Jakers! I keep on meaning to post my photos...I've got to finish the Intrepid shots and post my photos from the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Dulles, too. It's just such a pain to resize and compress and resave and upload all those photos...isn't there a better way?

And Jakers...Conratulations on reaching...

SUPER WACKODOM!

This looks like your 500th post, so now you get to work doubletime, and your pay is raised by a full .025% from its previous balance of $0. Congratulations!


For now, here's a shot...not extremely artistic, more on the fly, but I think very cool because...

IT'S MY REALLY REALLY CLOSEUP PHOTO OF CHRISTO AND JEANNE-CLAUDE!

I still get a huge ego rush every time I look at it. I think half the papparazi have a picture of my back, but I got RIGHT UP THERE! :p

Stephen, thanks for the great pictures...I'm with you, not sure what it all means but it is getting a lot of press. Greg, you did get a better picture than the papparazi Good for you. One question, did Jeanne-Claude color her hair to match the gates or the other way around. Is there any web site that gives information about "The Gates?"

Nice pics, Stephen! Great "up front" pic, Greg! It's all being in the right place at the right time.

Maybe it's the color orange I don't care for. I wonder how the whole gate thing would have looked in red, white, and blue?

Bob

Greg,

Great photo. Is it just me (or the hair color) but doesn't Jean Claude look a bit demonic?

Stephen- great shots of the gates.

Bob- the color scheme might be better but I'd still have the same opinion of the concept.

I'll agree that it seems to have been positively recieved and brought many people into the city but I'm still not a fan of it.

Dennis

Thanks for the comments, everyone! I've got more to post, I have to figure out which are my favourites.

Ruthie - Actually, neither. Saffron was chosen because it stands out against the Febrary bleakness of the park. Jeanne-Claude's hair is just that colour..actually, it's a bit redder.

And for all that are wondering: There is no purpose. It's art. Purposeless art. Which I guess you could say is its purpose, which means it has a purpose, which is to have no purpose, except to completely confuse you.

The best site I have found: Christo and Jeanne-Claude official site - straight from the source. You can learn about their earlier works, too.

edited to fix link

Purpose... To waste 20 Million Dollars!!!

Actually, the project will probably bring in more for charities than it cost. The merchandise profits after manufacturing costs (low, probably, due to the extreme bulk purchasing of items), goes completely to Benefit New York's Nature, the Central Park Conservancy, and the other NYC parks.

If all the merchendise tables were as packed and as much money and stuff was changing hands as it was when I went, for all 16 days, then trust me. This project is going to pay for itself many times over toward charity.

...and wait 'til they start selling autographed Gates when they take them down.

Nope, not gonna happen. The whole gate will be recycled. The metal frame and bases, vinyl saffron covering, and platic pieces will be remelted. The fabric will be shredded and used as carpet backing.

I justify it this way...people pay over $20M for a Picasso or Monet or Matisse...and that's for a small painting. With The Gates, you could say you get more bang for your buck.

And those that buy the paintings normally don't donate an equivalent or greater amount to charity.

My daughter and I drove down to the City Tuesday to see The Gates and take some pictures. On Tuesday and Wednesday we wandered through the park and covered about the same area as Barry, with one side trip up to the 96th street area to get some pictures of the Gothic Bridge.

The scene in the park was pretty impressive. The park was full of visitors, including many foreign-speaking guests. The folks in the park, who I am sure have a very slow February normally, were all super busy and, as Greg said, the vendors were everywhere and were selling stuff quickly. I am also sure that the park hasn’t been this clean in some time.

The gates themselves were very peaceful and had a strong contrast to the snow and flat colors of a Northeast winter. It was also neat to look around and see them everywhere stretching off into the distance. They may not be for everyone to appreciate, but those in the park seemed pretty impressed. The benefits to the Park and the City, as well as the Nurture New York’s Nature Inc. group will be great I am sure.

("Nurture New York's Nature, Inc. (NNYN) seeks to create public awareness of the importance of nurturing New York's nature to the health and well being of the City's inhabitants. NNNYN supports the arts for their power to define and advance that goal. NNYN was formed in 2003 as the on going steward of a license agreement donated by the artist's Christo and Jeanne-Claude to renowned mediator, Theodore W. Kheel. The artists' gift gave NNYN an exclusive, worldwide royalty-free license to use the intellectual property rights from The Gates Project for Central Park, to raise money to support NNYN's mission.")

Some people may view this all as a waste of money but there are also folks who would tell us that people who spend thousands and thousands of dollars on model lighthouses are nuts and they could probably tell us where they think we could better spend our money. A few thousand for a few to enjoy or a few million for millions to enjoy, to each his own I guess.

Jim,

I agree with you this- I personally don't care for the project and don't see it as art that I can appreciate but I can appreciate that others do.

I was also unaware of the charitible aspects of it- I looked at it as a waste of millions that could be better used but if it raises money than it's not all bad.

I also concede that the same kind of comment can be made about the things that most of us here feel are important- saving our Lighthouse Heritage. I'm sure that many think we are truly Wacko for our expenditures not only for the HL replicas we buy but for the passion we have for the real deal and the money we raise to spend on them.

It takes many different types of things and people to keep the old Earth spinning around. I may not agree with those who think The Gates is a wonderful art project but I wouldn't think of trying to stop those who do from enjoying it as I would hope they would allow me to enjoy what I consider art- Lighthouses and Poco.

Dennis

It you kids want to see some real art, come on up to Boston and travel the "big dig". The work was done by a special blend of construction workers and artist. They call them "con-artists."

Bob

The way the Big Dig is going Bob, you should be able to drive "It's Only Money" through one of these days!

I swear, when we travelled the Big Dig on Cape2Cape, we put the Rover's 20" wading depth to very good use.

Goodbye Gates, hello park

Written by Cindy Adams

New York Post, March 1, 2005

Ding Dong. The Gates are gone. We’re left with just the world’s lushest real estate – our glorious park with its rills and hills and dales, lakes, ponds, pastures, statues, walkways, overhangs, underpasses, greenery, trees, flowers, grass, birds, horses, dogs, little creatures, fragrances of nature, rocks, mountains, fountains. Ding Dong. The Gates are gone. Let That Couple drag their clotheslines away and go Saran Wrap Camilla or Big Ben or Little Charles .

Ding Dong. The Rags are gone. It brought tourists? So would 7,500 guys standing there with orange loincloths; 7,500 saffron-robed monks chanting; 7,500 out of work artists sketching pears; 7,500 anything. Goodbye Gates, hello park. Yeah, we’re glad the nonsense was here rather than say, Cleveland, because we’re the tops, and everything novel should start in New York. But Rembrandt’s self-portrait is probably crying. Please, let not Yutz and Mrs. Yutz tell us it was art.

Kiddies, New York is soon officially Schmatta-less.

THIS HAS BEEN COPIED EXACTLY.

bobo

bobo,

I can agree with that sentiment. I'll agree it had some beneficial effects for NYC but I'm not sure I can call it art- although art does have a very fluid definition.

I guess the best I can say is it isn't art that I could appreciate.

Dennis

Can this forum now get back to lighthouses for which it was intended!

Yep. The 'Gate' on the 'Gates' is now officially closed...

The Gates have been reopened down in the "Nothing To Do With Anything" Forum.

Swing on \'em all you\'d like down there