Meaning: Christo and Jeanne-Claude were a duo known for their large-scale environmental artworks, often involving the wrapping of buildings, landscapes, and other structures. The quote you provided refers to one of their indoor installations, specifically the Wrapped Floor at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago in 1968. This installation was part of their broader body of work, which challenged traditional notions of art and space.

The Wrapped Floor at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago was a significant piece in Christo and Jeanne-Claude's career. It was a departure from their more monumental outdoor works, such as the wrapping of the Reichstag in Berlin or the installation of The Gates in Central Park. Despite its indoor and relatively smaller scale, the Wrapped Floor was still impactful and thought-provoking.

The concept of wrapping, which was central to many of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's works, served to transform familiar objects and environments into something new and unfamiliar. By enveloping the floor of the museum, they invited viewers to reconsider the space and its purpose. The act of wrapping also added an element of mystery and intrigue, as the familiar became obscured and reimagined.

In the context of the quote, Christo's mention of the installation as "not monumental at all by any standards" is significant. It highlights the duo's willingness to explore different scales and settings for their work. Despite not being monumental in size, the Wrapped Floor still embodied the spirit of their larger projects by challenging perceptions and engaging with the environment in a unique way.

The choice of a museum as the site for this installation is also noteworthy. Museums are traditionally spaces for the display of art, and by intervening in this environment, Christo and Jeanne-Claude questioned the boundaries of art and the role of the viewer. The Wrapped Floor encouraged visitors to engage with the space in a new and active manner, disrupting the passive experience often associated with museum visits.

Furthermore, the mention of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago situates the installation within a specific cultural and historical context. The late 1960s were a time of significant social and artistic change, and the placement of the Wrapped Floor within this timeframe adds another layer of meaning to the work. It was a period marked by experimentation and boundary-pushing in the art world, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude's installation was part of this larger movement.

In conclusion, the quote you provided offers insight into Christo and Jeanne-Claude's approach to art and space. The Wrapped Floor at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago was a departure from their monumental outdoor works, yet it still embodied their core principles of transformation, engagement, and reimagining of the environment. This installation, though smaller in scale, was significant in its ability to challenge perceptions and invite viewers to reconsider the space around them. It serves as a testament to the duo's innovative and thought-provoking approach to art.