“What does it mean to wrap a monument?” Ponder this question as we stand before L’Arc Sculpture. It isn’t the Arc de Triomphe but it invokes similar thoughts.
This brings us to a tale of transformation, a story of L’Arc de Triomphe Wrapped. It was a temporary art installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was swathed in silver-blue fabric and red rope for two weeks in 2021.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude were known for wrapping public monuments. Think of the Wrapped Reichstag in Berlin or The Pont Neuf Wrapped right here in Paris. They even did The Gates in New York. Christo first conceived the idea of wrapping the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile in 1961. He lived nearby. Actual planning started in 2018. The aim was to complete it in spring 2020. This would coincide with an exhibition on the artists at the Pompidou Center. Christo wanted to work beyond the exhibition. It was the first work in their signature style since Jeanne-Claude’s death in 2009.
The project was self-financed through sales of project documentation. This included drawings and models. The final cost reached about 14 million Euros. Governmental approval came quickly. This was unlike the long waits for their previous projects. Initially, it was slated for two weeks in April 2020. The work was delayed until September 2020. This was to accommodate kestrel falcons nesting in the monument.
Sadly, Christo died on May 31, 2020. France 24 announced that the project would resume. It would honor Christo’s plans. Further delays occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, it debuted in September 2021.
L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped, became one of their most significant works. It used 25,000 square meters of recyclable, silver-blue polypropylene fabric. This was fastened with 3,000 meters of red rope. Overall preparation took about three months. Installation happened over a single day. The eternal flame and remembrance ceremonies for the tomb of the unknown soldier were never disturbed. The city closed surrounding roads for safe viewing and photos. Selfie sticks were not allowed.
The concept behind the wrapping isn’t explicit. Yet, scholars have theories about Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s intentions. Christo attended art school in Bulgaria under communism. This restricted opportunities through his art and education. Some believe wrapping monuments represented freedom.
Christo also opposed the idea of sacrificing oneself for one’s country. Covering a monument representing the tomb of unknown soldiers may have challenged this notion. Napoleon originally commissioned the structure. King Louis XVIII later took it over. He commemorated controversial parts of French history. The coverage of the arch may have denounced a shameful history.
Public opinion was mixed. A psychologist spoke about the reasons behind these mixed opinions. The wrapped monument created a new understanding of the structure’s size. Conceptual art can be confusing. It provokes curiosity and thought. Disapproval came from those who thought it was wrong to cover such a well-known structure.
L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped transformed the familiar into something new. It sparked debate and wonder. It made us question the meaning of monuments and art itself. The ephemeral nature of the project underscored its message. Art is temporary, a fleeting experience. The memory, however, remains. As does the thought: What does it mean to wrap a monument?