Homage to Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Street artist JR covers the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris

“It is intended to contrast the raw and wild with the sophisticated elegance of Parisian buildings,” JR told AFP. “Entering a cave is always a little scary and fascinating at the same time.”

Numerous Parisians and tourists were surprised by the installation on Thursday. “It’s quite surprising, it’s such a contrast to the architecture of Paris,” said Parisian Stéphanie Da Cruz, who is reminded of the Alps. “I’m not a fan of contemporary art, I like Paris as it is. But it’s fascinating when I look at it,” said Vince, a 76-year-old visitor from the United States.

The installation will be accessible in June

The installation covers the entire bridge and is up to 18 meters high. It will be accessible to pedestrians free of charge around the clock from June 6th to 28th. Former Daft Punk musician Thomas Bangalter composed his own soundscape for the work.

“Paris is a city that is well suited for monumental works,” said JR, who has previously designed, among other things, the slums of Rio de Janeiro, the barriers between Israel and the Palestinian territories and the glass pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre Museum in his own way.

His installation on the Paris Bridge is reminiscent of an inflatable bouncy castle. It is covered with printed fabric that gives the impression of rocks from a distance.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude made a name for themselves as packaging artists in 1985 with the wrapping of the Pont Neuf. Ten years later, the two also packed the Berlin Reichstag – which, despite all previous resistance, resulted in a week-long festival.

Like Christo and Jeanne-Claude, JR also finances his work without public funding. Sponsors include Snapchat operator Snap Inc. and Paris Airports.