In the high desert of West Texas exists a small, isolated town named Marfa, comprised of 1,981 residents, tumbleweeds and all, but which simultaneously and almost paradoxically is a big tourist destination. What attracts tourists? Well, Marfa is like the Chelsea of Texas. Marfa is home to many modern art installments and galleries, and the surrounding area is known as a cultural center for artists. Donald Judd, a minimalist artist from New York City, moved to Marfa to begin creating art on larger scales.
One of the latest installments to be exhibited in the town, which plays off of the minimalism that Judd is known for, is called “Prada Marfa” and was created by artists Elmgreen and Draget. The installation resembles Prada stores: it features shelves, shoes, and handbags inside, but the “store” itself is not in operation. The shelves and items are there for the simple act of admiring art.
Prada Marfa, as with most art, comes with its share of criticism and analysis. Some see the installation as a mode of criticizing consumerism and luxury labels and brands, and others see it more specifically as a form of surrealist commentary on Western attitudes and materialism in an unexpected small town setting.
Unfortunately, there have been several cases of vandalism and theft at Marfa. Prada Marfa has been broken into, handbags and shoes have been stolen, and traces of spray paint have been left all over. As a result, the installation received a facelift for restorative measures and security cameras for preventative measures.
Aside from Prada Marfa and other art installations, though, the town includes Ballroom Marfa, a building that hosts events for various forms of visual art, music, performance, and film. So, before dismissing the wonders that small towns like Marfa offer, keep in mind how much global attention these cultural hubs can draw.
