Summary of "You Might Also Like: Via Podcast" – May 10, 2025

Hosted by Michelle Donati and Middy Hicks, with guest Dylan Thuras

Introduction to Land Art

In this engaging episode of the VIA Podcast presented by AAA Mountain West Group, hosts Michelle Donati and Middy Hicks delve into the fascinating world of land art with guest Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura. Land art, distinct from traditional gallery-based art, involves creating monumental artworks integrated into natural landscapes, often in remote locations. Dylan introduces the concept, highlighting its emergence in the late 1960s and 1970s as a movement centered around sculptural creations using natural materials like dirt, rocks, and cement.

Double Negative by Michael Heizer

Dylan takes listeners on a virtual journey to Double Negative, a renowned land art piece by Michael Heizer located near Las Vegas, Nevada. Described as a monumental work spanning a mile and a half long and half a mile wide, it was officially completed in 2022 after over five decades in the making. Dylan shares his personal experience visiting the site, humorously recounting the challenges of navigating the rugged terrain in a cramped rental car stocked with jalapeño-flavored chips and water. He remarks,

“It’s almost like a testament to the futility of man. This is the barest little wisp of a thing” (04:25).

Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson

Transitioning to another iconic piece, Dylan discusses Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson situated in Utah's Great Salt Lake. Often hailed as the "godfather" of land art, Spiral Jetty is a gigantic spiral of rocks that interacts dynamically with its environment, sometimes submerged and other times visible, depending on the lake's water levels. Dylan emphasizes the ephemeral nature of such works, noting:

“These artists knew this art was gonna be ephemeral... it might not be there long” (08:26).

Nancy Holt's Sun Tunnels

Shifting focus to Nancy Holt, Dylan highlights her masterpiece, Sun Tunnels, also located in Utah. Unlike Heizer's aggressive earth-moving, Holt's approach is more harmonious and reflective, aiming to enhance the landscape rather than alter it drastically. Sun Tunnels consists of four giant concrete cylinders arranged in a cross pattern, each with aligning holes that capture astronomical events like solstices. Dylan explains:

“Her work was about giving people windows to make that connection” (11:29).

Walter De Maria's Lightning Field

The discussion then moves to Walter De Maria's Lightning Field in New Mexico, another monumental land art installation. Dylan paints a vivid picture of the site, describing it as an extensive grid of polished metal poles set against a vast desert backdrop. These poles reflect the sky during sunrise and sunset, creating mesmerizing visual effects. Occasionally, lightning storms illuminate the field, adding a dramatic natural spectacle. Dylan shares his enthusiasm:

“It would be an amazing place to set a horror film. Genuinely so good” (13:05).

James Turrell's Roden Crater

Dylan introduces listeners to James Turrell's Roden Crater, an ambitious project transforming an extinct volcano in Arizona into a massive observatory. Turrell, often classified as a "mound builder," focuses on the interplay of light and space. The crater is designed to facilitate immersive experiences with the sky, manipulating natural light to alter visitors' perceptions. Dylan reveals his excitement about its completion:

“Everyone is waiting for Roden Crater to open” (24:33).

The Unique Experience of Visiting Land Art Sites

A recurring theme in the conversation is the transformative journey associated with visiting these land art installations. The remoteness and scale of the sites compel visitors to disconnect from modern life, fostering a profound connection with nature and the artworks themselves. Dylan advocates for the authentic, in-person experience, arguing that photographs fail to capture the true essence and grandeur of these pieces.

Personal Reflections and Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes enrich the discussion. Dylan humorously shares his struggles with the logistics of visiting remote sites, such as dealing with rental car malfunctions and limited access. The hosts contribute by expressing their newfound appreciation for land art, with Michelle declaring herself "a believer" and Middy playfully linking the experience to roadside attractions.

Notable Quotes:

• Dylan Thuras on Michael Heizer's vision:

  “They are organized right across from each other. You can almost see, like, a curtain or a wall or a kind of thing that could slot into that space” (05:50).

• On the ephemeral nature of Spiral Jetty:

  “The intent was to kind of, like, make a monumental thing in nature and then just watch nature consume it” (07:24).

• Describing Roden Crater as a "sky space":

  “Rodent Crater is not far from Flagstaff, Arizona. So it's like he thought it be done in the 90s, then 2011, and then 2015” (23:56).

• On the necessity of experiencing land art in person:

  “You have never experienced a work of art like this. And the journey of getting to them, that drive, that remoteness, that isolation, that desolation... is part of the work” (27:41).

Conclusion

This episode of the VIA Podcast offers a deep dive into the captivating realm of land art, showcasing how artists like Michael Heizer, Robert Smithson, Nancy Holt, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell have redefined artistic expression by merging it with the natural world. Through insightful discussions and personal experiences, Dylan Thuras eloquently conveys the profound impact and enduring allure of these monumental creations, inspiring listeners to embark on their own journeys to witness these masterpieces firsthand.