The Lightning Field is a massive work of art that spans a one-mile (1.6 km) by.62-mile rectangle (1 km.) This work, located in the remote desert of New Mexico, is nearly inaccessible and can only be visited those who have made reservations at the nearcabin. Walter De Maria, an American minimalist sculptor known for his use of natural landscapes, created The Lighting Field.
The Lightning Field is quite simple in appearance. 400 stainless steel poles are set into the ground over a large stretch of fairly flat ground, each about 20 ft (6 m) high and 220 ft (67 m) apart. The poles are quite thin, with a diameter of only two inches (5 cm). The site is open to the public and visitors are welcome to walk around and examine the field at their leisure.
The Lightning Field, despite its name, does not actually work to attract lightning, though the piece’s metal poles can draw lightning to them. If lightning strikes a pole, it will char and need to be replaced as soon as possible, according to one art critic, so lightning strikes are actually harmful to the work. However, the artwork’s official website recommends visiting in the middle of the summer, when thunderstorms are common, to have the best chance of seeing lightning strike the field.
You must make a reservation to stay at the adjacent cabin, a rustic structure that can accommodate up to 6 people, in order to visit the Lightning Field. The process of getting to the site is a little mysterious, as visitors are picked up in a neartown and driven up to the field; you are not permitted to drive your own car to see the work. Guests are given rudimentary supper and breakfast preparations and are expected to return to town noon the next day. Guests are free to explore the site at their leisure and are encouraged to study the artwork in various lighting and climate conditions.
The Lightning Field is regarded many visitors as a profound encounter with art and nature. Some critics have expressed surprise at the piece’s size, and many have stated that it has overwhelmed them. The poles appear to vanish in certain conditions, such as when the sun is directly overhead, according to visitors. The poles’ shadows stretch further and further out in the evening, waiting for the sun to set.
Visiting the Lightning Field is a difficult task, but many people say it is well worth it. The cost of staying at the cabin is $250 USD per night, with some student and child discounts available. Because space is limited, reservations may be required months in advance. The Lightning Field is neither a tourist attraction nor a typical work of art, but there may be no better place to go for an unusual artistic experience that will change your perspective on what art can be.