"Over the River" and into the Legal Fray: Christo and Jeanne-Claude
Often critics comment on the technique, the style, the grandeur of a work of art, and the dramatic and arduous so-called “artistic process”. Rarely, do we study or observe how art is shaped by legal and environmental restrictions, community resistance, and bureaucratic red tape. However, unlike a painting where an artist makes choices based on subjective decisions, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s latest planned installation Over the River appears more akin to the construction of a bridge or dam that is shaped by government agencies, public hearings, and environmental protests. By venturing outside of the museum and gallery space, and dipping their toe in the water, their latest project Over the River presents a fascinating case study on the intersection of government, the law, art and the environment that will have ramifications far past the intended two week installation.

Untitled by Michael Goldberg, 1986 Oil and pastel on paper 29.25 x 27.75 inches
Spannocchia – NY XV by Michael Goldberg, 1986 Oil on canvas 79 x 79 inches
Spannocchia – NY IV by Michael Goldberg , 1986 Oil on canvas 86.5 x 85.5 inches
Untitled by Michael Goldberg, 1951-2 Oil on canvas 57 x 50.25 inches