A Hip Texan Enclave: Marfa, Alpine and Fort Davis

I knew that Donald Judd, the minimalist sculptor, created some of his most well-known work in Marfa, Texas, where he transformed vast spaces of an abandoned military base with repeated geometric forms made from industrial, machine-made materials, but I was not expecting the place to have become such a mecca of the art world.  Under the umbrella of the Chinati Foundation, Judd’s work is on display in a sprawling series of buildings, in the grasslands, and in a former ice plant. 

15 Untitled Pieces in Concrete by Donald Judd.

​Nearby, the Foundation rebuilt a former hospital to the specifications of artist Robert Erwin, who used the windows to play with light and dark, turning the entire building into the sculpture.  No photos were allowed, except for this sculpture in the hospital’s courtyard.

Irwin created this tableau of large basalt columns.

The number of urban sophisticates on the streets of Marfa was stunning. A new boutique hotel catering to the art tourists who pour in to see the numerous galleries in town. There is a show of Andy Warhol originals across the street. A gaggle of beautiful fashionistas, in mini-skirts and sunglasses, lounged outside the Food Shark  truck waiting for their falafel and hummus.

We had the good fortune to run into Lineaus Hooper Lorette outside his New Star Grocery Art Museum and he gave us a tour of his collection of politically-inspired art work by the artist Abby Levine.  Abby’s work – and Lineaus’ drive to create a communitarian future -- are worth a blog post of their own.

This piece tells the story of America's great folksinger Woody Guthrie.

​Lineaus told us about his support of communism and communitarianism and he calls for a dismantling of borders, especially the nearby one between the U.S. and Mexico.  He’s created a flag that could be used for the future US-Mexico community.

​Lineaus’ passion is also for the work of Abby Levine, whose colorful wood creations in the folk art tradition, tell political and personal stories.  He has collaborated with her for some pieces, including portraits of Lineaus’ nominees for great women of the world.

Check out our next posting, where we visit the Cowboy Poetry Festival in Alpine, Texas.