The Mastaba of Abu Dhabi, Project for United Arab Emirates [top panel]

1979

Christo

Associated Names
Christo

Artist, American, born Bulgaria, 1935 - 2020

This is a detailed technical drawing of a map showing regions in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The map includes calculations and schematic designs for a structure referred to as "The Mastaba of Abu Dhabi." Measurements, such as height, sloping sides, and width are annotated with conversions between metric and imperial units. On the right, there is a geometric diagram illustrating the arrangement of cylinders, possibly representing stacked drums, commonly used in engineering. The diagram is accompanied by a mathematical formula. Handwritten notes and labels provide additional information about the logistical and structural planning depicted.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    top panel of two parts: collage with printed map and technical data, wax crayon, and graphite on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of a Private Collector in honor of Dorothy and Herbert Vogel

  • Dimensions

    Overall: 37.8 x 243.3 cm (14 7/8 x 95 13/16 in.)
    overall size (for both panels): 147 x 244 cm (57 7/8 x 96 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.2.5.a

  • Copyright

    © Christo 1979

Associated Artworks

The image shows a composition with a clear division into two sections. The top section displays a detailed map of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Gulf region. Below the map is an architectural drawing featuring a pyramid-like structure. The base of the pyramid is surrounded by a desert landscape, and the pyramid itself is divided into two panels - a dark, brownish-red side on the left and a vibrant yellow side on the right, both with intricate textured patterns. The horizon is defined by the base of the pyramid, and below it stretches desert terrain with sparse, rectangular settlements. The color palette contrasts natural sand tones with the intense hues of the pyramid structure.

The Mastaba of Abu Dhabi, Project for United Arab Emirates

Christo

1979

The image features a triangular shape intersected by a diagonal line, dividing it into two contrasting sections. One side is depicted in a deep russet hue while the other is in a bright golden-brown texture. Below the triangle, there are small rectangular forms that may resemble buildings or rooftops, adding depth to the composition.

The Mastaba of Abu Dhabi, Project for United Arab Emirates [bottom panel]

Christo

1979

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection; gift 2001 to NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2002

  • Christo and Jeanne-Claude in the Vogel Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington; Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, La Jolla, 2002-2003, no. 55.

Bibliography

2002

  • Christo and Jeanne-Claude in the Vogel Collection. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington; Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, La Jolla, 2002-2003: 14, 34, no. 55.

Inscriptions

lower right in black wax crayon: Christo 1979; left verso of support in black crayon: (layout) 7A / ONE WORK IN 2 ITEMS: THESE 2 ITEMS ARE ONE WORK, THEY MUST NOT BE SEPARATED AND MUST / BE HUNG ACCORDING TO THIS LAY OUT.

Wikidata ID

Q64539993

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