- "The Umbrellas", a temporary work of art realized in two countries at the same time, reflected the similarities and differences in the ways of life and the use of the land in two inland valleys in Japan and the USA. - Two authorized offset lithographs on smooth heavyweight paper (300gsm approx.) . - Copyright Christo. 1991. - Embossing stamp. - Size of each: 49 x 51 cm - Condition: excellent, never framed, never exposed. - Christo, born Christo Vladimirov Javacheff on June 13, 1935, in Gabrovo, Bulgaria, was an artist renowned for his large-scale environmental installations. Alongside his wife and artistic partner, Jeanne-Claude (1935-2009), Christo created monumental works that often involved wrapping buildings, bridges, and natural landmarks in fabric. Christo studied at the Sofia Academy of Fine Arts before moving to Prague, then Vienna, and eventually settling in Paris, where he met Jeanne-Claude. The couple later moved to New York City. Their collaborations, which began in the late 1950s, involved temporary, site-specific installations that transformed the way people perceive space and the environment. Some of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's most famous projects include: "Wrapped Reichstag" (1995): The German parliament building in Berlin was wrapped in fabric, creating a striking visual transformation. "The Gates" (2005): This installation in New York City's Central Park consisted of 7,503 gates with free-flowing fabric, inviting viewers to walk through a saffron-colored pathway. "The Floating Piers" (2016): A temporary installation on Italy's Lake Iseo, featuring floating walkways covered in bright fabric, allowing visitors to walk on water. Christo's work was characterized by meticulous planning, self-financing through the sale of preparatory drawings and models, and a profound impact on viewers' interaction with public spaces. The market for Christo's preparatory works, drawings, and models is robust, reflecting his significant influence in the art world. His pieces have fetched high prices at auctions; for example, "Over the River" (Project for Arkansas River, State of Colorado) was sold for $3.2 million at a famous auction house in 2011. Christo's legacy endures through his innovative approach to art and his ability to create profound, temporary transformations of familiar landscapes. His works continue to be celebrated for their scale, ambition, and the unique experiences they provide.