I own a T-shirt with the words “Imagine a World Without Texas” printed above a U.S. map with a gaping hole … you know where. I wear it selectively.
This past weekend – as reported earlier – I went to Marfa, a teeny town of 2,121 people in far west Texas. A stone’s throw from the southern border and 4,000+ feet above sea level, Marfa is the Big Texas of movies like Giant and No Country For Old Men, both of which were filmed in this region. With its big sky terrain, heavy Mexican influence, and "Howdy Ya’ll” friendliness, Marfa is Texas of the finest sort.
The look of Marfa is not much different than it was in its 1930s hey day. But the spirit of modern Marfa began taking shape in the 1970s when Donald Judd moved here to create and display his art and those of other conceptual artists. What evolved is an unusual little town that marries sophisticated art, culinary and architectural ambitions with the breathtaking beauty and historic sweep of a remote Mexican border town. It’s a marvel, and if you’re at all intrigued, go. Some pictures to inspire are below.
Needless to say, I will be retiring my “Imagine a World Without Texas” t-shirt.
This past weekend – as reported earlier – I went to Marfa, a teeny town of 2,121 people in far west Texas. A stone’s throw from the southern border and 4,000+ feet above sea level, Marfa is the Big Texas of movies like Giant and No Country For Old Men, both of which were filmed in this region. With its big sky terrain, heavy Mexican influence, and "Howdy Ya’ll” friendliness, Marfa is Texas of the finest sort.
The look of Marfa is not much different than it was in its 1930s hey day. But the spirit of modern Marfa began taking shape in the 1970s when Donald Judd moved here to create and display his art and those of other conceptual artists. What evolved is an unusual little town that marries sophisticated art, culinary and architectural ambitions with the breathtaking beauty and historic sweep of a remote Mexican border town. It’s a marvel, and if you’re at all intrigued, go. Some pictures to inspire are below.
Needless to say, I will be retiring my “Imagine a World Without Texas” t-shirt.
Sunrise at the Thunderbird Hotel, the place to stay in town.
Lunch at the Food Shark truck. Best Banh Mi sandwich in Texas, for sure.
Reflection of moi in a Donald Judd piece at the breathtaking Chinati Foundation, the artistic soul of Marfa.
Sunrise on the main road cutting through town.
Swimming at Balmorhea Springs, a WPA-built watering hole north of Marfa.
Dusk arrives at the Chinati, where we were celebrating my friend Robert's 40th birthday.
Me, Robert, Michael, Michael and Robert. How's that for inventive first naming?
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