In the small desert city of Marfa, Texas you can find some of the best art and design talent with a sleek and artistic aesthetic. When it comes to this city, the iconic Prada Marfa installation is just the tip of the iceberg. From local artists and designers to the Chianti Foundation institution, we round up here five local accounts you need to have on your feed
Marfa may be a small desert city but it is brimming with art. Situated in west Texas, it is home to institutions such as the Chinati Foundation and Ballroom Marfa. From the oh-so-instagrammable ‘Prada Marfa’ installation, built in 2005by artists Elmgreen and Dragset, to the annual ‘Marfa Myths’ musical festival where breakthrough artist Kelsey Lu will be headlining this summer, Marfa has gained Cult status. The ultimate art hub, it is inevitable that social media accounts showcasing the best of Marfa’s culture are among some of the most visually striking on Instagram. Here, we round up our five favorite accounts to follow now.
Cody Barber
Cody Barber is an artist living and working in Marfa, currently showcasing his work in a series entitled ‘Studio Exhibitions.’ He is recognized for his ability to make materials that achieve a rippled appearance using heat, or in other words, moiré patterns. The owner of a studio located in the heart of Marfa, Barber’s Instagram account is an outsider’s best insight into his life and work in Marfa and features captivating art pieces, from interpretative arm chairs to distinctive wall art.
Garza Marfa
Garza Marfa, a furniture and textile showroom, is another example of the talent that lies in every corner of Marfa. Providing a traditional Texan take on mid-century modern style, Garza Marfa is influenced by the simplicity of living in the desert, as evidenced by a plethora of colourful patterns that dominate their Instagram account showcase their ability to combine rustic living with bright, modern colour combinations.
Jennifer Boomer
Photographer Jennifer Boomer’s talented eye provides us with the ultimate insight into life in Marfa. Her artistic aesthetic dominates her Instagram account, with a clear appreciation for minimalist decor. Her work celebrates the people and places that play an important role in her life (Marfa being very high on the list!). She captures everything from artistic pictures of food to local décor, landscapes and buildings that will have you on a flight to Marfa in no time.
The Chinati Foundation
The Chinati Foundation is a contemporary art museum founded by the artist Donald Judd and has been instrumental in framing Marfa’s art scene. With the intention of establishing permanent large-scale installations, there is an undeniable emphasis on works of art that link closely to the surrounding landscape. Currently, 32 years after its founding, the museum is regarded as one of the best illustrations of the talent that lies within Marfa. In the permanent collection is Chinati Thirteener, designed by Carl Andre for the courtyard, consisting of 13 stips of hot-rolled steel plates. Other artists in the permanent collection include large scale works by Robert Irwin, John Chamberlain and David Rabinowitch.
@chinatifoundation
El Cosmico
El Cosmico is a 21-acre campground hotel in Marfa recognizable by its beautifully bohemian teepees. Its Instagram account transports you to another (much more colourful) world with a slower pace of life. With the aim of spreading the message of ‘living in the moment,’ not only does El Cosmico provide shelter but also yoga retreats, live performances and a ‘Cosmic Camp’ that preaches digital detox alongside music festivals and barbeques.
Words by Nadia Massoud
Images courtesy of @codybarber, @garzamarfa, @jenniferboomer, @chinatifoundation and @elcosmicomarfa