"Valley Curtain" was one of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s most ambitious and technically challenging projects, realized between 1970 and 1972. This monumental artwork involved hanging a massive orange curtain across Rifle Gap, a valley in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA.

The project’s initial planning began in 1970, and it faced numerous logistical and environmental challenges. Christo and Jeanne-Claude, known for their meticulous planning, worked with a team of engineers and construction workers to bring their vision to life. The curtain itself was made of 200,200 square feet of woven nylon fabric, chosen for its durability and bright color, which created a striking visual contrast against the natural landscape (The Art Story) (National Gallery of Art).

Erecting the curtain required significant engineering expertise. The fabric was secured by 27 ropes, anchored into the cliffs by 864-ton concrete foundations on either side of the valley. The installation process also involved the use of heavy machinery and the efforts of 35 construction workers and 64 art students. The entire process was meticulously documented by photographers and filmmakers, ensuring that even though the installation was temporary, its impact would be preserved (The Art Story) (New Atlas).

The first attempt to install the curtain in October 1971 was thwarted by high winds, which tore the fabric and forced the team to start over. Despite this setback, Christo and Jeanne-Claude remained determined. They redesigned certain aspects of the installation, and on August 10, 1972, the curtain was successfully raised. However, it stood for only 28 hours before another strong windstorm necessitated its removal for safety reasons (The Art Story) (Artnet News).

"Valley Curtain" was significant not just for its scale and the technical challenges it overcame, but also for its visual and symbolic impact. The bright orange fabric transformed the valley into a dynamic piece of art, highlighting the natural contours and movement of the landscape. This ephemeral work emphasized themes of impermanence and the relationship between human engineering and nature (The Art Story) (National Gallery of Art).

The project also marked a pivotal moment in Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s career, demonstrating their ability to execute large-scale environmental artworks that engage with the landscape on a profound level. "Valley Curtain" garnered significant public and media attention, solidifying their reputation as pioneering environmental artists (Artnet News) (Wikipedia).