Podcast Summary: You Might Also Like: Via Podcast Presented by AAA Mountain West Group | Release Date: May 5, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Via Podcast, hosts Michelle Donati and Mindy Hicks welcome back Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura and host of the Atlas Obscura podcast. The conversation delves deep into the fascinating world of land art, exploring its history, prominent artists, and the unique experiences associated with visiting these monumental works.

Understanding Land Art

Dylan Thuras begins by defining land art as an art movement that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s. Unlike traditional art confined to galleries, land art involves creating massive sculptures directly within natural landscapes, often in remote areas like deserts in the southwestern and western United States.

"Land art is a sculptural art movement built around creating gigantic works of art in usually the desert somewhere... It's a style of art that's entirely place-specific."
— Dylan Thuras [02:30]

These artworks are typically constructed using materials such as dirt, rocks, and cement, and are designed to interact harmoniously with their surrounding environment. Thuras emphasizes that experiencing land art requires visiting these sites in person, as the scale and integration with nature cannot be fully appreciated through photographs alone.

Highlighting Iconic Land Art Pieces

The discussion transitions to specific examples of land art, starting with Double Negative by Michael Heizer near Las Vegas.

Double Negative by Michael Heizer

Located approximately two hours from Las Vegas, Double Negative is an expansive earthwork carved into the edge of a mesa in central eastern Nevada. At the time of its completion in 2022, it stood as one of the most monumental pieces of land art.

"It is a testament to the futility of man... a way to see the landscape."
— Dylan Thuras [05:00]

Thuras describes the creation process, which involved extensive excavation using both traditional tools and explosives, resulting in two notches carved into the mesa that face each other. Despite its grandeur, the piece also reflects the minimal impact of human efforts against the vastness of the natural landscape.

Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson

Another seminal work discussed is Spiral Jetty, created by Robert Smithson in Utah.

"Land art comes with risk... it's a function of the landscape, and that it might not be there long."
— Dylan Thuras [08:26]

Spiral Jetty is renowned for its intricate spiral shape extending into the Great Salt Lake. Thuras points out the ephemeral nature of such works, as they interact dynamically with their environment, sometimes becoming submerged or altered by natural forces.

Sun Tunnels by Nancy Holt

Thuras also highlights Sun Tunnels by Nancy Holt, Robert Smithson's wife, who continued the land art tradition after his untimely death.

"Her works were tools to help [people] engage with the dynamism of the natural world around them."
— Dylan Thuras [09:29]

Sun Tunnels consists of four large concrete tubes arranged in a cross pattern in the Utah desert. These structures are aligned with astronomical events, allowing visitors to experience the changing positions of the sun during solstices through reflective holes in the tubes.

The Lightning Field by Walter De Maria

One of the most striking pieces discussed is The Lightning Field by Walter De Maria.

"The sunrise and sunset experience of Lightning Field is... a bizarre juxtaposition of this perfectly symmetrical field of poles and this natural landscape."
— Dylan Thuras [14:32]

Located in a secluded area, The Lightning Field comprises a grid of polished metal poles that reflect the sky. While occasional lightning strikes the poles, the primary allure is the mesmerizing reflection of sunsets and sunrises, creating a surreal visual experience. Due to its remote location and unique nature, visiting requires special arrangements and an understanding that photography is discouraged to preserve the integrity of the experience.

Emerging Trends in Land Art: Roden Crater by James Turrell

The conversation shifts to Roden Crater, an ambitious project by artist James Turrell in Arizona.

"He's working to bring celestial objects like the sun and the moon into the spaces we inhabit... I apprehend light. I make events that shape or contain light."
— Dylan Thuras [23:56]

Roden Crater is an extinct volcano transformed into a massive observatory and art installation. Turrell’s work focuses on the perception of light and celestial phenomena, creating immersive experiences that connect visitors with the sky and stars. Although still under development, Roden Crater represents the pinnacle of land art, blending natural landforms with intricate architectural elements to enhance human interaction with the cosmos.

Experiencing Land Art: Challenges and Rewards

Mindy Hicks raises a pertinent question about the practicality of visiting such remote art installations.

"Why is it worth possibly messing up your Volkswagen Jetta?... these journeys are little adventures that you will be telling people about for years."
— Dylan Thuras [27:20]

Thuras passionately argues that the journey to these sites is integral to the experience. The isolation and effort required to reach these artworks foster a deeper appreciation and connection to both the art and the natural environment. He emphasizes that these adventures embody the essence of land art, highlighting humanity's small presence within the vastness of nature.

Listener Engagement and Experiences

The episode features a heartfelt letter from AAA member Linda Shauhelp recounting her family's visit to Spiral Jetty.

"I love a spiral and an adventure and the shape and effort put into it are impressive."
— Linda Shauhelp [29:21]

Linda describes the challenging drive to the site and the enriching experience of witnessing such a monumental piece of art, reinforcing the podcast's theme of blending travel with unique artistic encounters.

Conclusion

The Via Podcast episode offers a comprehensive exploration of land art, blending historical context with personal insights from Dylan Thuras. Hosts Michelle Donati and Mindy Hicks facilitate an informative and captivating discussion that not only educates listeners about iconic land art pieces but also inspires them to embark on their own journeys to experience these monumental artworks firsthand.

Notable Quotes:

• "Land art is a sculptural art movement built around creating gigantic works of art in usually the desert somewhere... It's a style of art that's entirely place-specific."
  — Dylan Thuras [02:30]

• "It is a testament to the futility of man... a way to see the landscape."
  — Dylan Thuras [05:00]

• "Her works were tools to help [people] engage with the dynamism of the natural world around them."
  — Dylan Thuras [09:29]

• "The sunrise and sunset experience of Lightning Field is... a bizarre juxtaposition of this perfectly symmetrical field of poles and this natural landscape."
  — Dylan Thuras [14:32]

• "He's working to bring celestial objects like the sun and the moon into the spaces we inhabit... I apprehend light. I make events that shape or contain light."
  — Dylan Thuras [23:56]

• "These journeys are little adventures that you will be telling people about for years."
  — Dylan Thuras [27:20]

Connect with the Podcast:

• Email: via@mailiamagazine.com
• Website: AAA.com
• Publisher: Via Magazine, AAA Mountain West Group

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast speakers and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions of AAA Mountain West Group or its personnel.