site.btaChristo and Jeanne-Claude Represent a New Monumentality for the Modern Age, Says Art School Director

Christo and Jeanne-Claude symbolize a new form of monumentality that reflects the spirit of contemporary times, said Alexander Doichinov, director of the National High School of Arts in Sliven. He spoke during the presentation of the June issue of LIK magazine, dedicated to the renowned artist duo, held simultaneously at the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Centre in Gabrovo and BTA national press clubs across Bulgaria and abroad.

Doichinov emphasized that the couple's legacy goes beyond art - their collaboration is also studied at Harvard as a business model. Jeanne-Claude was not merely Christo’s muse but an active partner with an economics background who enabled their projects.

Sharing a personal reflection, Doichinov recalled how, as a student, Christo seemed almost mythical. “They didn’t understand him then, and many still don’t,” he said. He argued that Christo’s choice not to return to Bulgaria reflects how authoritarian regimes struggle to accept individuals who challenge them by the sheer scale of their vision.

He concluded that young artists have much to learn from Christo and Jeanne-Claude - not only in creativity but also in perseverance: from formulating ideas, to self-belief, to independently funding and realizing their visions. “This is the path every creator must walk,” he said.