The definition of an anomaly is something that deviates from what is normal or expected. Guess what? Marfa, Texas is an anomaly. It is literally in the middle of nowhere. The town of Marfa, Texas, is about 200 miles from the nearest airport and 60 miles from the Mexican border. It sits on a desert landscape that looks like an idealized version of the American West. At first glance, a tourist would think it looks like a typical one-stoplight desert town located in the high desert country of West Texas.
Except for one difference, Marfa, Texas would be totally unremarkable. That difference is Donald Judd, a world renowned artist. He decided to leave New York City in the 1970s and make his way to this dusty little town located in the middle of nowhere and create pieces of art. He wanted to escape the pseudo art scene he grew to loathe in the city and here is where he stopped. With the help of the DIA Foundation, Judd acquired an abandoned Army base, and before his death in 1994, he managed to fill the base with art, including indirect light installations for display purposes. One hundred of Judd’s signature box designs made of silvery milled aluminum are housed in two of the old brick artillery sheds. They sit in perfect rows; the silver, milled aluminum boxes glowing with a subtle translucence which radiates from the lighting.
Okay, picture this: you’re driving down a desolate Texas road and in the distance you see a building which appears to be fairly new. The closer you get the more you can make out the sign. You’re thinking “no way”, and then “way”. It’s a Prada store and it’s in Marfa. Unbelievable, right? Once you get in town, you stop at the restaurant for a bite to eat. “Regular menu or vegan?”, “gluten free?” you’re asked. Welcome to Marfa!!
There are not enough words to describe how unique this small town of Marfa has become. It is on the bucket list of the famous and not so famous celebrities and artists from all over the world. Marfa is the Mecca of the art world. You owe it to yourself to come and experience this anomaly. It will be an unforgettable experience, no doubt about it.