On the flat plains near Quemado, in Catron County, 400 stainless steel poles stretch toward the sky.
No one visits this spot without prior arrangement but, if they did, the sight of these poles would prove baffling.
This is The Lightning Field, an art installation created by Walter de Maria in 1977.
It is an example of land art – an art movement in which the piece of art and the physical space it occupies have a symbiotic relationship. Land art rejects the idea of displaying art in the commercial environment of a gallery.
Instead, art and nature work together.
The poles are arranged in a grid that measures a mile by a kilometer and, despite the changes in terrain, they are uniformly parallel to the ground.
The presence of lightning isn’t necessary to complete this art. The idea is to see it over a period of hours – it is especially powerful at sunrise and sunset.
The Dia Art Foundation commissioned The Lightning Field.
Today, you still need to arrange a visit through the foundation. This is possible between May and October in 2017 - lightning is most likely to occur in July and August.
The foundation picks you up in Quemado and transports you to a cabin near the art installation. Once there, you stay overnight – potentially with other visitors. This might sound slightly unorthodox; then again, it's also a one-of-a-kind experience.
Check out this YouTube video from Best Travel Destination.
What do you think? If you’re interested in booking an overnight stay at The Lightning Field, here is some practical information.
You may also enjoy this past article highlighting unique experiences you can only have in New Mexico. Even if a trip to The Lightning Field isn’t up your alley, there is no shortage of life-changing memories you can create in the Land of Enchantment.
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