Art Trip: Marfa | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

[@JHYW]

I feel like these sort of art installations are something American; not simply because the USA has the vast expanses of space needed to devote so much room to military base-sized pieces, but because the very nature of their existence highlights the two romanticised images of the USA: the stark contrast between the rural emptiness exhibited here and the compressed vertical cityscapes from which places like Marfa can offer an escape. Talk about run on sentence, but I loved this video and I love the idea of a town so centred on the concept of art pilgrimage. It's something so alien to the tiny island I'm from.

[@hellokittyskittles]

I'm from El Paso and in 2013 my art history teacher at UTEP, Melissa Warak, told us that the Chinati Foundation was seeking volunteers for their Open House in October so I had the opportunity to see the work of Judd in person. I have to say that everything in this video is correct. The landscape is beautiful. The work makes you feel so much. it was just an incredible experience. Thank you for reminding me of it!

[@theartassignment]

So happy to hear we represented it well! And what a cool opportunity that must have been to volunteer there. You were helping them, and they were helping you. The best kind of exchange!

[@Beryllahawk]

Watching this made me homesick for the first time in a long, long time. I grew up in west Texas; those skies, that flat landscape, they are part of me. I haven't been to Marfa but once, back in 1994; the last time I was in Texas. Walking in the heat - the scent of grass and dust - the sky out there - all things that I haven't thought about in years. I won't deny that I am crying even now. This is a trip I may need to make in person.

[@jazzpup8288]

I miss Texas skies so much. Its another world at night. I feel like I will go back

[@hazmatispro512]

flat land theres legit mountains in the distance

[@thymewithfriends]

I have visited Marfa several times, and this video captures the spirit and feel of the town and it's important contributions to the art world. Thank you for making this!

[@Robert-us5kp]

Hello how are you doing

[@cultrovox4225]

Such a beautiful little town of poignant lines and space to breathe it in and bask upon the artistic history that led to its development. Minimalism made homely.

[@maggieedna]

when I was in japan I went to this lovely and kind of tourist-ey temple where you put your hand on the wall and then follow the wall into this pitch black cave. its without a doubt the darkest place Ive ever been, and the wall twists and turns and you get super turned around, but the wall is there to guide you, and then. theres a single beam of sunlight that shines down on some sort of temple-y thing (my japanese was not good enough to really understand what thing, but I dont think that interupted my ability to feel the wonder and awe and idek mysticism? of the beam of sunlight) and it was unbelievable and seems kind of similar to that last building.

[@danikaake]

Thank you so much for making Art Trips in Texas!

[@theartassignment]

I have had a lot of Texas in the past year, and loved all of it. Can't wait to explore more. (Although I probably want to avoid *some* areas of Texas, no?)

[@rosianna]

This was absolutely stunning. I'm excited to make it there one day!

[@theartassignment]

So wish you could have joined us! Next time!

[@kissing_bug6499]

I am going there for a trip two weeks.

[@mattvw9287]

I've only seen the Marfa Prada once and that was on a train headed from San Antonio to El Paso. I know that stopping there must be cool, but there's something to be said for just driving/riding past it. When you do, you experience the art in a different way, it's like going from nothing, to Prada, to nothing again. Which is how many of the rural west Texas towns feel.

[@anitarussum4590]

Matt Van Winkle ... it’s in Valentine TX. I think the artists wanted a huge empty area around the piece... love it and love Marfa and Judd. His son and daughter do a tremendous job in TX and NY. Probably other places too.

[@2bitgirly007]

My favorite Art Trip so far - that Robert Irwin space is now officially added to my Bucket List. :)

[@prophoem9492]

I just wanted to jump in and say that You're videos always get me excited to create. So thank you for making them.

[@theartassignment]

Exceedingly glad to hear that. This trip was inspiring for everyone on our trip, and we all came home with grand ideas to work on. It makes me happy that some of that came through in the viewing experience as well.

[@brianmcmanus4286]

Out of all these Art Trips I've watched, this one REALLY filled me with envy. I'll be making my way there one day.

[@lorenabpv]

this channel always makes me happy, but today i made myself a cup of tea and sat down to watch the video uninterrupted and it was wonderful. what an interesting place and, as usual, i'm glad to have your snapshot of it.

[@Yourhighnessnona]

I literally cried when they showed the Robert Irwin piece. That, from beginning to end, was amazing. Incredible.

[@davidstepanczuk]

I've been an Irwin fan since I was in art school in the 80s. That was just wonderful.

[@breeze66]

I hope someday to experience Irwin's Marfa piece . . . 🚪

[@4nt4r4y]

Filipina?

[@BeastOfTraal]

I like that you picked a small town more like this please.

[@oxymoron0o]

What a cool place! I want to go now. Thanks for teaching me about stuff I might never have heard of otherwise! You guys are the best!

[@cliff_lu]

because of this video i made a trip to marfa- it was awesome. thank you for posting these types of vids

[@drewliedtke2377]

Judd...does something to me. First time I saw it in person in Seattle, I gasped and then, wide-eyed, spent the next 30 minutes examining everything in the room.

[@StephanBreuerFLYING]

Excellent

[@user-qk7de6ik4f]

Love these art trip videos! It's so wonderful that art can be found everywhere, even in the most unassuming towns. And wow, you can tell from his work that Judd had a fascinating mind.

[@davidstepanczuk]

Holy crap! That was an excellent video. Great & generous narration too. I've been a Don Judd fan, and this was satisfying. Well done, fellas.

[@gregpriddy8595]

Loved this!

[@DaBoff99]

That light and dark building at the end was great.

[@aditimelkote2757]

This was enthralling...Marfa seems fascinating! It seems like a hidden little hub of life, and now I really want to visit it! (not to mention the food looks DELICIOUS)

[@queenofthemunchkins]

I love Marfa! I drove down in April, and it was a short weekend visit so I didn't get to see much, but it is definitely a special place.

[@mariabumby]

You aren't being dramatic, that IS bloody incredible. A sense of passage that feels holy. As a recent architecture graduate, i know want an absurd amount of money and space to experiment with daylight and skrims. Wow. Just woah. Thanks for being such a cool channel

[@margaretguillory]

Yea! Texas represents again. As I was watching I thought, THAT is so cool. That is SO cool. That is so COOL. This is definitely a new addition to my bucket list. Loved the episode.

[@ricardososagod]

Gracias a este video me muero por ir a ese pueblo.todos los días veo este video y siempre siento la misma emoción al verlo

[@wii3willRule]

The Robert Irwin installation really was a profound experience and I wasn't even there. I totally see where you're coming from with your interpretation, I felt that, too. Thank you so much for this video, thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@iamsickinthehead]

Well I'm now putting Marfa on my bucket list.

[@lusolte]

Gabriel Bum Houston i was here today, its great

[@frank4page]

The aerial views are amazing!!!!

[@theartassignment]

I know!!! Mark Olsen shot and edited all of it, and he did an outstanding job.

[@meaninglez100]

Thank you for this. I go to an area near Marfa once a year, but I've never let myself explore the city. Will absolutely be doing it this year.

[@AKlshulman]

Just wanted to thank you for the work that you do on this channel and mention that you Art Trip videos have encouraged me to seek out and appreciate art, especially public art, in cities that I visit and in my home city of Burlington Vermont.

[@ojaisue]

Thanks for a perfect preview of Marfa!

[@MichaelZieschang]

I‘d love to travel there immediately. Amazing.

[@ronmasters751]

I heard of Marfa a long time ago, and have read some things and seen some pictures ever since. But I didn’t feel like I understood it at all. This video really helped me wrap my head around what’s going on here. Thanks!

[@seaqueue23]

What an extraordinarily interesting place!

[@kathyfausett9301]

This place is one of the most thought provoking places that i've ever been.

[@MeisterJ]

This is the first Art Assignment video I've watched and I enjoyed it immensely. I've recently gotten back into Crash Course and Sci Show and I was wondeirng why there wasn't a CC for art/art history when I remembered there's a whole sister channel for art. Thank you for sharing this. I'm not as into sculpture and space projects but these looked amazing and I'd love to experience them some time. I look forward to watching other adventures like this and the other videos posted to this channel.

[@theartassignment]

So glad you found us! And yes, The Art Assignment is really my own version of Crash Course Art History. (But no promises that I won't ever participate in a CC Art History.)

[@notlikewater]

The Art Assignment if there is ever a CC art history, I will be overjoyed but also I want to take part and help make it happen if I can.

[@ChronicallyCurious1]

Untitled (dawn to dusk) by Robert Irwin is stunning! Thank you for introducing me to this extraordinary artwork.

[@mariaroqueta3135]

Holy geeperzzzz! What an amazing trip thru a place I never heard of, but now eager to go!!! Thank u for unveiling the art gem in hiding called Marfa.♥️✅♥️

[@aidenb4463]

These videos have really helped me escape on the most isolated days of the pandemic. Thank y’all. 💜

[@abeilleify]

Thank you for this incredible video. I've been to Marfa twice and agree that there is always more to see and do. I haven't seen the Irwin installation yet and am very much looking forward to it.

[@rmg56872]

Judd's work is very calming, can't imagine what it's like to see it in the flesh but I know it's something I would want to do

[@theartassignment]

I didn't think about it that way when I was there, but you're absolutely right. There is something very matter-of-fact about the objects that is easy to be around. Like these things are demanding a lot of you, or begging for your attention and praise. I'd seen a lot of Judd's work in galleries, and it never resonated with me as much as it did here. Add it to your list!

[@rmg56872]

Exactly! I would imagine experiencing his work to be different in a gallary compared to the outdoor installation or the barns. But I would be happy to see either, let's say both can be added to the list! The way he framed the landscape with the square and rectangle shapes almost brings attention to the environment surrounding the objects, which would have just been another desert plain/ field if the sculptures weren't there. I hope that makes sense.

[@tamsinthai]

Rosie I saw it in London at the Hayward as part of a minimalist exhibition. It really should be shown in it's own space, as here.

[@creativecatproductions]

They’re squares and cubes. Just get yourself a nice big grill, take off the support structure that elevates it above and the ground and then set it in the middle of your house. Voila! You just got yourself a contemporary art piece....soothing, calming, silly as a circus.

[@MatimoreAgain]

@@theartassignment You should check out the artwork of his muse Lauretta Vincinelli.

[@breeze66]

Robert Irwin's space in Marfa is Sublime ‼️

[@nicollemacwilliams706]

This is such an insightful and interesting video! Thank you for sharing it

[@Tigermond1]

I've seen these "vertical stack pieces" in two different museums (Seattle and San Francisco, I think) and never knew how to feel about them. Thank you for providing such profound context. I always lose myself in these videos.

[@JessicaSmith-gd1fu]

This was fantastic! Even while watching I could hardly believe what I was seeing. I can't imagine what it would be like to actually be there. Thank you.

[@eibbore]

Every time you make one of these videos, I want to visit the location. This is maybe the most convincing.

[@denverrandy7143]

The wood pancakes were very cool!!!👍

[@TylerMayMedia]

Just getting around to watching this and it is incredible! I love seeing tour of an entire city! I was never interested in spending much time in Texas outside of Austin prior to watching this and now I really want to see Marfa! Great stuff! Well written with nice shots representing the artwork well. Also, glad to see Mark got to play with his drone!

[@queenofthemunchkins]

Marfa Burrito is truly the best burrito I have ever had. I hope I can go back someday.

[@kathleenwest1023]

Love your coverage and that. you saw the cleaning crew at PRADA heading there today on our way to the Eclipse! Thank you!

[@JustMollyJean]

I've just finished watching I Love Dick, so it's fascinating to learn more about Marfa and the real work that exists there. The Irwin installation looks particularly extraordinary, thanks for sharing!! I always look forward to Art Trip videos!

[@andreysantiago]

What an amazing video! I just can't put into words how I like this series! Keep up with the good work!

[@cartograp]

I want to see these in person!! Great video!

[@CrumpArt]

This was just so beautiful. Thank you. As a non-American, I'm thoroughly appreciating seeing these art trips to places I've never even heard of, and I can't stop myself thinking "I wish Sarah could see _______ or _________ or __________ from the places I've lived. I'm not sure if you and/or John are going to VidCon in Melbourne, but if you do, I strongly encourage getting on a flight to Hobart for the day and doing an Art Trip: MONA.

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

that's a great idea - I'm a Skippy and I want to go there soon myself!

[@marcbarcelona1973]

AMAZING video and work. Thank you for creating such an incredible, interesting and high quality content. Love from Spain

[@vaaciete]

Thank you for the lovely video. I always enjoy the way you talk and examine your experience. I recently moved to Berlin and as often life and task take over. This reminded me to go out and enjoy and experience the art that is here so readily available

[@theartassignment]

Berlin has so much to offer! I have often thought about doing an Art Trip: Berlin, but i think we'd have to stay for a month. Until I get there again, please do appreciate it for me.

[@vaaciete]

I will and if you ever need a fluently speaking guide and companion for a Berlin trip - I ll be waiting prepared ;) Have a lovely weekend

[@bookwormwen]

Untitled (Dawn To Dusk) isn't anything like my usual taste in art, but it's stunning. I can see exactly how it felt like passing from life to death. I'm personally in no hurry to get to Texas someday, but the idea of seeing that work in person is tempting.

[@Robert-us5kp]

Hello pretty

[@Atlantis11698]

I'd love to see you do a "case for ...." video on fashion as art.

[@steepertree]

Judd and Irwin are a fascinating pairing. It's great to be able to see both of them in such proximity.

[@theartassignment]

Indeed! I also kept thinking about what Judd might have done had he lived longer.

[@stephaknee3]

I love these videos so much.

[@rajsingharora1]

Amazing.

[@ronrendon]

Wow. Good Job. A+

[@KannikCat]

Oh wow! So much in this video I love: (large scale) installation art, spatial art, architecture, and philosophical musings. Every single thing made me want to go and be with it. That courtyard with the plumb/not plumb wall! The dark-to-light verse/inverse building! Frames in the landscape! Prada folly! (and great drone shot Mark!) Bunnies! Every step of your way I kept thinking how amazing it must be experientially, and was giddily delighted when you brought that up. (Also, laughed out loud as, just as I wondered if you'd bought that gun skirt, you gave us a rest assured. :) I cannot give this video enough thumbs up. I am absolutely putting Marfa on my to-visit list; I still need to go visit the Kimball Art museum, and when I do I'm definitively also going to swing this way. Thank you for this video!

[@KannikCat]

6 year update! I just got back from visiting! And it was all it was promised to be. :) Thank you for introducing me (and us all) to it!

[@rjmrg]

Loved this video! You did a beautiful job.

[@shane9835]

This was beautiful. I can't wait to go someday :)

[@j.pocket]

I am the biggest fan of this channel that anyone could possibly imagine. Brah-Freakin'-Vaux! (Srsly-Thanks for creating great content like this. )

[@jvillalaz44]

Wow. Thanks for sharing this video

[@aseldenton7315]

Marfa,Marfa Marfa!

[@theartassignment]

Confession: that's what I titled our filming itinerary doc.

[@heyheybooks]

I wish these had been around when I was taking Art Since 1945 in college! I didn't like that class, but I love these videos.

[@Robert-us5kp]

Hello pretty

[@alyssaking3663]

These videos are art 💙💙💙

[@lindalangford4470]

My home town was a very like a Mayberry type town safe friendly and welcoming. But now too many stranger's. I sure Miss it.

[@wategi]

What a cool video, SUG! Amazing stuff!!

[@AmbroseReed]

This was a really beautiful one, guys

[@littlepics]

Wow. So full of trendy. Shops would snuggle in perfectly on Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. Shopping!

[@Erict887]

11:49 Cute little rabbit running across!

[@robotturkey2929]

That transition form dark into light looks...like something I'd like to experience.

[@aleksanderk6765]

this was amazing

Absolutly stunning.... i like your Video.... and i also like the sound you choosen... can you please tell me the artist and track name @ 15:00? Thank you in advance from switzerland.

[@geezerpoet]

Had a great time there but didn't see all the places covered here. Some of Judd's installations remind me of horizontal freezers.

[@cassg6995]

Recommend that you do a documentary on Building 98 in Marfa, right in front of the Chinati Foundation. It is the US Cavalry's Bachelors Officer's Quarters with huge room size murals painted by German POWs. It has been restored and brought back to life over the past 20 years. Take a look online.

[@AlinPurcaroiu]

love the video on Irwin

[@krna82]

Loved how you DGAF at the last installation and just full on gushed rather than be too cool for school. Thank you for this, now thiking of going on an art pilgrimage to Marfa. Haha. This reminds me so much of the art islands in Japan - contemporary art installations set in remote, provincial, and sleepy islands of Teshima, Naoshima, Inujima. Will you please go there next time? :P

[@lordcthulhu17]

are you guys ever going to come to Denver?

[@MrSthotwhelz]

Great vid

[@Robert-us5kp]

Hello pretty

[@AimeeRose22]

Really cool episode! I learned a lot! Idea for a future video: dale chihuly is such a cool artist, would love to see your take on his art! 😃

[@delver86]

In Malta we have a place called Marfa too :) i thought you guys stumbled across our small island :)

[@dsdesignphoto]

Have you guys thought about visiting Kansas City, MO? We are a huge Advertising hub and tones of art and art shops in our beautiful crossroads district along with great state funded museums. Would love to have you guys visit the heart of the US :)

[@jordand.6032]

i knew about the prada installation (from this channel actually 😛) but i didn't know the whole town was an art hub too! very interesting. also, love marfalafel 😂

[@margietalk]

cool. feel like i just had my horizons expanded.

[@melcgermo]

Some of the installations in Marfa remind me of art spaces in Santa Fe, New Mexico (Meow Wolf, specifically, though there are so many excellent galleries/museums/installations to choose from). Do y'all have an art trip planned there anytime soon?

[@lemonlemonster]

Any plans of coming to Raleigh/Durham sometime? We'd love to share all of our arty stuff (Nasher at Duke, Duke Gardens, NCAM, etc) with you!

[@wadeguidry6675]

Road trip!

[@radicalbacon]

11:52 Bunny!

[@kharesslinis2999]

What's the name of that dark to light corridor?

[@a_e_hilton]

Art Trip of Regional Washington State? We have plenty of small towns and plenty of art!

[@Lilyyxdayys]

Hotel Saint George 😍

[@christopherwarner6896]

Ever thought about a Silverton, OR trip?