Born in Texas. Refined in Ireland. Exploring the World.
Prada Marfa
Don’t ask me why there are over 3,000 views of the most basic video that I shot and posted on YouTube after visiting the Prada Marfa “sculpture installation” for the first time in January 2013.
It’s not even in Marfa. It’s actually a solid 30 minute drive west of Marfa just outside of the very lonely and remote town of Valentine, Texas (Population 134).
I’m amazed by how many think it’s an actual Prada boutique! Seriously people…
There are zero coffee shops nearby so don’t even think about grabbing a cappucino as a reward after making the 30 minute schlep to see this curiosity. There is nothing going on in Valentine. Nothing. Except a dentist which is an oddity in itself considering the overall situation. If you’re lucky you might see some tumbleweed blowing around.
Holding on to some tumbleweed in Valentine, Texas [January 2013]I don’t intend to diminish the value of making the journey. The entire experience of traveling there and back from wherever you are staying in the Big Bend area makes it worth the trip. The landscape is stunning. I love the isolation and emptiness.
Snow and ice melting on the side of the highway between Marfa and Valentine, Texas [December 2015]The lonely highway between Marfa and Valentine, Texas [December 2015]Big sky and fabulous clouds in west Texas between Marfa and Valentine. [December 2015]Checking out the railroad tracks and the endless view between Marfa and Valentine, Texas [December 2015]Still, Prada Marfa for most is one of those “been there and done that” kind of places. I’m not included in the “for most” category as I’ve returned over the years with my wife, bringing friends and family to check out what reportedly TxDOT originally considered to be an illegal “billboard advertisement.” later reclassifying it as a museum.
The structure, the land and the light throw out a different look for each visit. We’ve managed two visits in winter, and two in summer.
Prada Marfa [Valentine, Texas – December 2015]Proving we were there. Prada Marfa. [Valentine, Texas – August 2016]Reportedly the shoes and handbags are real, chosen and provided and provided by Miuccia Prada herself from the fall/winter 2005 collection.
By the way, you can’t go in! There is no functioning door despite the appearance of one. Again, it’s not real boutique. According to artists Elmgreen and Dragset it’s a “pop architectural land art project.”
Below: Visit #4 in August 2016. This photo also appears in my West Texas gallery.
I publish to three blogs. One (PinkysEye.com) is related to my lifelong interest in photography, video, travel, and telling stories. The second (PinkyBrand.com) addresses my experiences and opinions in the domain name industry, where I’ve spent the better part of the last 27 years at the registry, registrar, and consulting levels. The third (iq.global/blog) shares knowledge and updates from iQ Global AS regarding SaaS and consultancy services that are primarily designed and operated for the benefit of domain name registries, registrars, and resellers.
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