The internationally acclaimed artist, Christo, has created a temporary sculpture in Hyde Park, titled The Mastaba (Project for London, Hyde Park, Serpentine Lake). It will float on the Serpentine Lake from 18 June to 23 September 2018.
It is the artist's first major public, outdoor work in the UK. The temporary sculpture coincides with an exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery of Christo and his late wife, Jeanne-Claude’s work (19 June to 9 September 2018), which will include sculptures, drawings, collages and photographs spanning more than 60 years. Both projects draw on Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s history of barrel artworks and will be an unprecedented opportunity for visitors to experience the work of one of the most pioneering artists working today.
“For a few months The London Mastaba will be a part of the Serpentine Lake and its natural and urban surroundings,” said Christo. “I am excited to realise this temporary outdoor sculpture in the UK this summer. Like with all of my projects, the construction, maintenance and removal of artwork will be entirely funded by me through the sale of my original works of art. The London Mastaba in Hyde Park will be absolutely free to the public—no tickets, no reservations and no owners. It will belong to everyone (until it's gone). I am also looking forward to the Serpentine Gallery exhibition exploring the use of barrels in my works from 1958 to today, which will provide important context for The London Mastaba.”
Loyd Grossman CBE, Chairman of The Royal Parks charity, said: “Christo is a world renowned artist who has enjoyed highly successful exhibitions in parks and open spaces in other leading cities across the world, but has never before exhibited in London. We’re delighted to be able to facilitate his first major public outdoor work in this country in one of central London’s finest and most visited parks. This will be an opportunity for park visitors to see an outstanding installation for free within an iconic landscape.”
Christo and London Mastaba project team would like to make very clear that attempting to climb onto the sculpture is strictly forbidden and safety measures are in place to enforce that at all times. The sculpture is there for all to view but public safety is a foremost concern. Lake swimmers and boaters are kindly asked to keep a reasonable distance from the artwork for the safety of all.
You can learn more about The London Mastaba and Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Barrels and The Mastaba 1958–2018 at http://sgtours.org