Art Analysis: The Gates

The Gates incorporated the element of line. In this particular piece the lines are implied in nature. The saffron color of the fabric and poles did not connect creating a solid line. Instead of being solid the length of the repeated pattern could be visually grouped together to create one, implied line. The overall horizontal nature of the line of the work implies rest. The horizontal line does not give a feeling of motion. When viewed from the profile, the diagonal lines created in the fabric by the wind imply motion.
The use of the bright color of saffron drew attention to the piece. The yellow hue of the color complemented the green color of the park. The shape of the individual gates was rather simple in design. Two twelve-foot poles, and a fabric rectangle, created the gate shape of the individual pieces. The volume of all the pieces together created a tunnel effect through out the pathways of Central Park. Due to the temporary nature of the artwork, the time in which …show more content…
With all outdoor artwork, the elements play a part in the success of the work. Inclement weather can be disastrous to a piece. The Gates did not utilize and improvisation or spontaneity. In the same way on the fly artwork is special for its freedom of impulse, the necessity of every detail being planned before the start of this piece makes it amazing. The color, shape, and volume worked together to transform New York’s Central Park into a different experience for visitors. For me the artwork evokes happy memories of my time teaching the members of the marching band that performed the Christo and Jeanne-Claude inspired production. The best part of the experience was receiving a letter from Christo saying how much he appreciated our recreation of his works on the day we placed 6th at nationals. Images of the artwork also have an emotional impact for me. The color saffron has always made me think of happiness, and greatly adds to the affect of the