Marfa, TX

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Marfa, Texas is the town of Donald Judd.  He was an American artist know for his minimalist style.  His work is adequately displayed at the Chinati Foundation here in town.  One expression of his works is a collection of large cement open ended squares purposefully placed to offer symmetry with each other and the shadows they create.  To me, his work is the ultimate example of form no function. There was a simplistic beauty in his work as it was displayed in the field outside of the Foundation’s building.  As the sun moves across the sculptures, geometric shadows form for short periods of time changing the optics of the sculptures. Other buildings there housed his metal works which were equally minimal in their design and structure.

Due to the art of Donald Judd, Marfa, located in west Texas, is now known as an artists hub.  Many people from New York, who are interested in this style of art visit here.  The art actually fits the landscape in his simplistic style and lack of color.  Squares and solid shapes define the structures matching the flat land with its beige grasses and spiny cactus.

The Hotel St. George is an elegant one located on the Main Street.  The style of the hotel reflects the art interests of the people who visit, minimalistic design.  It had a New York art attitude about it.

We took a drive to see the Prada Store located outside of Valentine.  The store is a statement of “you build it; they will come”.  It is an art display of shoes in a store window.  People come from all over to take photos.  Commercialism at its best!

The Cochineal Restaurant was a delightful place for dinner.  It served small plates with wonderful desserts.  (Cochineal is a small insect used for dying fabrics red)

It is such a pleasure traveling with Libby and John.  Libby is a fountain of knowledge and John is full of fun with hysterical comments along the way.

Marfa is also know for the Marfa lights which we did not see due to overcast.