Walking On Water

Walking on Water is a fascinating documentary from 2018 that gives a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most remarkable public art installations in recent history. Directed by Bulgarian director Andrey M Paounov, the film features the renowned environmental artists Christo and his late wife, Jeanne-Claude, known for their monumental projects that challenge viewers' perceptions of art and nature.

The 2018 film primarily focuses on the process of Christo’s ambitious large-scale project, "The Floating Piers," a vision of a walkable bridge of nearly two miles that extended across two Italian alpine lakes, covered by vibrant yellow fabric. True to his style, Christo's art in this project too is temporary, highlighting the transient, fleeting life of every creation. The film follows Christo from the initial planning stages to the project's successful execution, providing viewers with an intimate look at the renowned artist and the multitude of challenges he faced in creating his masterpiece.

The heart of Walking on Water is undoubtedly Christo, an artist in his eighties at the time of filming, who exudes an infectious passion and enduring stubbornness vis-à-vis his work. His deliberations and negotiations with an array of project managers highlight his unwavering commitment to his artistic vision. Christo's dedication, charm, and often fiery personality are key components of Paounov's documentary, bringing out an endearing human aspect behind these grand artistic endeavors.

An essential thread running throughout the film is Christo's collaboration with his late wife, Jeanne-Claude, who had been an integral part of their shared creative vision. The docu pays a moving tribute to her memory, emphasizing how essential she was to actualizing their shared vision of art.

An intriguing dive into Christo's world, Walking on Water carefully captures the sense of anticipation, tribulations, hope, frustration, and eventual triumph that defines a massive public art project's journey. Its intimate portrait of Christo also allows for a better understanding of the artist's deeper motivations and beliefs about art.

The film's other notable aspect is its access to the intense logistical negotiation that goes behind such large-scale projects. From managing thousands of visitors to dealing with disgruntled local fishermen, the film presents an eye-opening vista of bureaucracy, physics, and also politics that come into play.

Furthermore, the cinematography in Walking on Water adds another layer to the experience, especially in scenes where the natural beauty of Italy's Lake Iseo serves as a backdrop for the titular installation. It offers majestic aerial shots of the shimmering piers and scenic landscapes, providing audiences with a visual feast that accompanies the compelling narrative.

Walking on Water also provides commentary on the nature of art and the role that audiences play in the experience. Christo's temporary installations challenge the permanence often associated with art. The transient existence of his work, mirrored by the ebb and flow of the attending crowd, evokes a sense of transient beauty, underlined by the audience's real-time interaction with the installations.

However, the movie transcends being just a monument to Christo's grandiose installations, venturing into the profound realm of art's conception, assembly, and reception. It poignantly depicts how these installations—conceptualized, nurtured, and brought to life over a long period—only exist for a few days, leaving an indelible memory on those who experience them.

In essence, Walking on Water is a poignant artistic journey that beautifully portrays the nuance of Christo's artistic process, his indomitable spirit, determination, and the deep-seated love for his artistic expression. It offers a profound and immersive view of the world of installation art to the viewers, through the lens of one of the most iconic installation artists in history. This exploration of the temporary and transient nature of art, paired with its vibrant imagery and captivating storytelling, makes it a must-see for art enthusiasts and general audiences alike.