Christo has opened the airlock on “Big Air Package,” which will be open to the public through the end of 2013 at the Gasometer Oberhausen in Germany.
Christo, Big Air Package, interior, 2013.
At 295 feet tall and 164 feet in diameter, “Big Air Package,” now holds the title of largest indoor sculpture. It is also the largest inflatable produced without the aid of an internal skeletal structure. Nearly 1,500 feet of rope along with a strong positive pressure give the inflated room its shape. Light flooding in from the skylights on the roof of the containing structure provide the piece an otherworldly glow that transforms the space from big balloon to monumental fine art.
Christo, Big Air Package, from above, 2013.
The building contained gas at one time. Now it serves a variety of purposes. It is the second time that Christo has worked in the space. In 1999 he created a wall from 13,000 oil barrels that cut across the diameter of the floor.
Christo, Big Air Package, construction, 2013.
“Big Air Package,” is the first solo project from Christo since the passing of his wife and collaborator, Jeanne-Claude. A retrospective of the most important works by the couple over the years as documented by Wolfgang Volz runs on the ground floor for the duration of the exhibition.
Christo, Big Air Package, interior, 2013.
Be sure to check out the following video that surveys the construction of this unique project that will not soon be forgotten.
Christo
Big Air Package
16 March – 30 December 2013
Gasometer Oberhausen
Germany
Images courtesy of Christo and Wolfgang Volz.
