It’s common knowledge by now that New Mexico is absolutely jaw dropping. From our sunsets to sunrises and mountaintops, you don’t have to go far to be truly awed. However, hidden in the fields of Quemado is something that’s straight out of a story. Get ready, because you’ve truly never seen anything like this before.
The Lightning Field is a beautiful work of land art by Walter De Maria, located in the plains of Quemado, New Mexico.
Dia Art This installment features 400 steel poles that arranged throughout a field in a secret area of a New Mexico high desert. The poles are arranged in a grid that goes one mile in one direction, and one kilometer in another.
This amazing piece of art has been recognized as one of the most significant works of land art in the late-20th century.
margaret C/TripAdvisor Walter De Maria installed the piece in 1977 and it has been beloved ever since. The tips of the poles are pointed, and the sculpture piece was made to be viewed throughout time. Whether you’re walking through the field at dawn or dusk, it is truly a sight to be seen.
Of course, this art truly lights up during thunderstorms.
Dia Art Foundation/Facebook Each pole can conduct lightning, which truly brings The Lightning Field to life. Ironically though, each time a beam is struck, it chars the art and needs to be replaced. The very thing that lights up the installment is also what damages the art.
Thanks to the Dia Art Foundation, you can experience The Lightning Field for yourself.
Dia Art Foundation/Facebook The Dia Art Foundation is the foundation that commissioned Walter De Maria’s work, and they now own a small cabin in Catron County where up to six people can stay for one night and enjoy simple meals while getting the chance to emerge themselves in this creation. Unfortunately, reservations for 2018 are closed, but make sure to put it on your calendar for next year!
The trip might be long, but well worth it to see this astonishing work of art.
Dia Art Foundation/Facebook Though the exact location is a secret, Dia Art drives visitors to the site from Quemado and it is about a 3 hour drive from Albuquerque. Viewers of the art are said to feel like it’s mind-altering, since the reflections from the poles changes the landscape to the naked eye.
The Lightning Field is truly an astonishing work of American art, and a place you must see within your lifetime.
Dia Art Foundation/Facebook The Lightning Field is located within the deserts of Quemado, NM. To book a stay at Dia Art Foundation’s cabin, visit their website here. Reservations will begin February 1, 2019, and are set between May 1st and October 31st, seven days a week.
Have you ever visited the mesmerizing place? Share your experience in the comments!
Dia Art
This installment features 400 steel poles that arranged throughout a field in a secret area of a New Mexico high desert. The poles are arranged in a grid that goes one mile in one direction, and one kilometer in another.
margaret C/TripAdvisor
Walter De Maria installed the piece in 1977 and it has been beloved ever since. The tips of the poles are pointed, and the sculpture piece was made to be viewed throughout time. Whether you’re walking through the field at dawn or dusk, it is truly a sight to be seen.
Dia Art Foundation/Facebook
Each pole can conduct lightning, which truly brings The Lightning Field to life. Ironically though, each time a beam is struck, it chars the art and needs to be replaced. The very thing that lights up the installment is also what damages the art.
The Dia Art Foundation is the foundation that commissioned Walter De Maria’s work, and they now own a small cabin in Catron County where up to six people can stay for one night and enjoy simple meals while getting the chance to emerge themselves in this creation. Unfortunately, reservations for 2018 are closed, but make sure to put it on your calendar for next year!
Though the exact location is a secret, Dia Art drives visitors to the site from Quemado and it is about a 3 hour drive from Albuquerque. Viewers of the art are said to feel like it’s mind-altering, since the reflections from the poles changes the landscape to the naked eye.
The Lightning Field is located within the deserts of Quemado, NM. To book a stay at Dia Art Foundation’s cabin, visit their website here. Reservations will begin February 1, 2019, and are set between May 1st and October 31st, seven days a week.
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