I'm glad to hear that, but what a candy-ass douche! All that controversy, political arm-twisting, etc, etc., and now I hear he pulled out because of the change in US administration???
Does anyone remember the Rifle installation several years ago? Come and gone with very little environmental impact. I don't agree with his concept of "art", but I do know about his sincerity about addressing the issues surrounding his work. He withdrew, not because of the new administration, but because of the continuing legal battles he faced over his newest project. There is so much involved with this, and it has been several years in the making. The average person has no idea what has to happen to get approvals from all of the entities involved. I am both disappointed and yet relieved with Cristo's decision. I don't see how trashing him now serves any positive purpose.
It would have had a minimal environmental impact and could have had a huge economic impact on the surrounding communities. Not really sure what is behind all of the opposition.
Maybe I should clarify. While I've been against the project from the first time I heard of it, that's just my opinion. This is not, however, why is say he is a douche... I say he is a douche because he now tries score points by saying he is cancelling the project because of the "new landlord", which is clearly BS. THAT'S why he is a douche. Arrivederci Sr.Cristo...don't let the door hit you..
Reply by: bron Posted: 1/25/2017 9:16:06 PM Points: 29234
It's not art. It's visual litter of our beautiful state. Take it elsewhere. We don't need a bunch of stupid curtains over our beautiful waters to see that they look good. That's not art.
I have been a proponent of this project from the word "go". This is a huge blow to the artisans of Salida that have been trying to make Salida the "Taos of South Central Colorado".
Reply by: esoxrocks Posted: 1/26/2017 8:40:59 AM Points: 2486
As anyone can conclude, I definitely have an opinion on this. However I also understand the position of folks supporting the project. In fact, governmental and regulatory authorities came down in favor of the project.
Personally I think it would have been a vulgar insult to a beautiful river valley...but that's just my opinion, and doesn't negate the validity of other viewpoints.
That said, regardless of my opinion and respect for other opinions...IMO for the artist to all of a sudden, conveniently jump on a politically correct bandwagon as a principal reason for backing out is just plain Chicken S - - T.
Reply by: Luke the Dog Posted: 1/26/2017 10:47:14 AM Points: 34
"I use my own money and my own work and my own plans because I like to be totally free," he said. "And here now, the federal government is our landlord. They own the land. I can't do a project that benefits this landlord."
What a freaking liar. Why doesn't this clown go buy himself a piece of land and do it on his own property then? He clearly has no appreciation for the natural beauty of the land, and Arkansas River needs no help from Christo...
Reply by: Bizkits Dad Posted: 1/26/2017 12:52:30 PM Points: 150
I'm not convinced of the "minimal impact". Fact is, certain bugs hatch when it's cloudy. Birds feed on/near the river. Probably not with a couple of square miles of material flapping over the river.
