"The London Mastaba" was a large-scale temporary sculpture by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, installed on the Serpentine Lake in London's Hyde Park from June 18 to September 23, 2018. This striking installation consisted of 7,506 horizontally stacked barrels, creating a trapezoidal structure that floated on the lake's surface, offering a vibrant and visually captivating addition to the park.
The idea for "The London Mastaba" was conceived in the 1970s, and although Jeanne-Claude had passed away in 2009, Christo continued to realize their shared vision. The mastaba, a type of ancient Egyptian tomb with a flat roof and inward sloping sides, inspired the sculpture's shape. Christo chose to use barrels, a recurring material in the couple's body of work, to construct the structure. The barrels were arranged to create a pattern of red, white, blue, and mauve, forming a vivid mosaic that changed appearance with the light and weather conditions (The Art Story).
The sculpture was 20 meters high, 30 meters wide, and 40 meters long, making it one of the largest outdoor artworks displayed in London. It floated on the lake using a platform made of high-density polyethylene cubes, which provided stability and buoyancy. The barrels were securely fastened to ensure safety and durability throughout the exhibition period (The Art Story) (Artnet News).
"The London Mastaba" was part of a broader exhibition of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's work at the Serpentine Galleries, which included drawings, sculptures, and models that documented their artistic journey and the conceptual development of their projects. This exhibition provided context and insight into the meticulous planning and execution behind their monumental installations (The Art Story) (Artnet News).
The installation attracted significant public and media attention, drawing thousands of visitors to Hyde Park. The colorful and geometric form of the mastaba contrasted with the natural surroundings, creating a striking visual dialogue between the artwork and the environment. The project emphasized Christo and Jeanne-Claude's commitment to transforming public spaces and engaging audiences with art in unexpected ways (The Art Story) (Artnet News).
"The London Mastaba" exemplified Christo and Jeanne-Claude's innovative use of industrial materials and their ability to create large-scale environmental art that challenges conventional perceptions of space and form. The temporary nature of the installation highlighted themes of impermanence and the fleeting beauty of their creations, leaving a lasting impression on those who experienced it (The Art Story) (Artnet News).