Marfa


Marfa

Overview

Introduction

This small ranching town 335 mi/540 km west of San Antonio in west Texas is probably best-known for the Marfa Lights—fuzzy, glowing orbs that are visible off of Highway 90 at night. A special parking area has been built to accommodate the onlookers.

Scientists aren't certain what causes the lights, which move across fields, change intensity and then just vanish. Some say they're UFOs, and some say they're spirits of the dead. (Some say it's a bored farmer with a lantern.) Take a look and come up with your own theory.

Marfa's other claim to fame is the Chinati Foundation, a showcase for works by the influential minimalist sculptor Donald Judd. Judd moved to Marfa in the early 1970s and set about buying and renovating buildings that he could use for his installations.

Today, the foundation occupies several buildings at what was once Fort Russell. Two old artillery sheds display Judd's aluminum-box sculptures—they may look like ordinary aluminum boxes, but what the changing light does to the color of the metal is remarkable. Works by other artists—some on temporary exhibit, some permanent—are also on display. https://chinati.org.

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