Here is a short reflection of my journey this past September to Walter de Maria’s “The Lightning Field (1977).” It is my favorite piece of American art. (The audio includes more text and voice-over than the captions). Some facts on The Lightning Field here.
1. My journey to Walter de Maria’s The Lightning Field begins like everyone else’s journey. It begins with an email request to Dia Art Foundation on February 1st at Midnight Mountain Standard Time. I was on the waitlist this year. I made a final reservation for two (2) three weeks before my visit in late September 2024. This would be my third time traveling to New Mexico for the field.
I left my Manhattan apartment early in the morning on a Friday. Catering trucks were on my block for filming. They were shooting a TV show called, “Elspeth.” My Mom loves the show.
I took the E Subway to the La Guardia bus connection. It is a blue line on the MTA System. I really like the blue they use for the system. I call it “clarity blue.”
4. I always struggle to eat when I am excited. I made sure to eat a full breakfast at the airport. It was expensive.
5. I arrived in New Mexico. The last time I was in the ABQ airport I was feverish with COVID-19 in May 2022. I had attempted a visit with my two friends. I was unable to make it to the field, but my two friends did. Arriving at the airport brought back feelings of battling the dreadfulness. This time, I was not sick. I was anxious to get to the field. Walter scoured five states for five years to find the land for “The Lightning Field.” The land is part of the art.
6. I rented a car and drove 2.5 hours.
7. The cabin has room for six (6) visitors. I took my friend Beth.
8. It is hard to encapsulate what the field means to me. The idea, the execution, the funds, the community, and the land all interact with each other for me. It represents a system of belief that is bigger than oneself. I admire Walter for his tenacity. I also know I am happy at the field. It brings me peace in a chaotic world. I am glad to know it exists. And for those who never get to go; know that the field exists. I think that is enough.
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