Back in 1991, Christo did two major installations of large umbrellas, one in Japan and the other in the U.S. in California. The installations “opened” early in October. On Saturday, October 26, the installation was nearing the end of the scheduled display. I had not gone to see them — they were installed in the pass well north of Los Angeles. And, I admit, I was a bit skeptical of what they might be like as “art.” But a friend wanted to see them and didn’t want to drive up alone. So I agreed to go with her. I was glad I did.
The following pictures were taken that day. It was a bit overcast (and later would get very gusty, heading in to rain). But as we came over a rise and saw the first of the umbrellas directly ahead of us, dotting the slope like giant dandilions, it made me smile spontaneously.
There were quite a few people driving around the area on the roads beside the I-5. The installation was on the Tejon Ranch in the Tejon Pass. There were many present to view the Umbrellas, creating just a touch of a carnival atmosphere under the cloudy sky.
Although many of the umbrellas were positioned to be not easily accessible, there were plenty right by the roads for people to check out. I think there’s not many who went with cameras who did not attempt the following shot. This is my favorite picture of the excursion —
Something about the overcast skies made the whole installation feel startling as art.
As it turned out, not long after my friend and I departed, heading back to Los Angeles, the winds increased and everyone tried to find some shelter. Unfortunately, one woman was killed when the umbrella she’d taken shelter under got tipped over by the winds, large concrete base and all. Because of the accident, the installation was shut down immediately and the last couple of days of viewing where cancelled.
I was won over quickly on seeing the installation. I’m glad I did go see it. It made for a memorable day.
