Actual Contact in Marfa, Texas

The Language We Use Determines Our Reality.

~ Jason W. A. Tucker ~

Just east of Marfa off Hwy. 90 (67), framed by an RV park, two historical markers, train tracks, and an empty field, sits twelve pillars of steel that may go unnoticed during the day. If so, it would be a mistake, for, in this land of haunted lights, faded movie sets, and minimalist art, you would miss a chance at “Actual Contact.”

Artist Jason W. A. Tucker created this sculpture installed at this location in the spring of 2018. The sculpture consists of 12 pillars and 24 playful hieroglyphic forms, including one that looks like [s]he is taking a selfie.

The 12 pillars have images on two sides, are lit at night, and can be seen from Highway 90 to the south and the Amtrak tracks to the north.

I first visited the sculpture during the day to get a lay of the land and easily walk the grounds and take pictures.

When we returned to view the pillars that evening, they appeared in purple light. Unfortunately, I had to take my pictures street side due to earlier rain and lack of moonlight, making it difficult to see where we “shouldn’t” step.

TRAVEL PHOTOS, TRIVIA, & TIPS:

I feel it’s worth visiting “Actual Contact” during the day AND again at night.

During your daytime visit, you can safely walk around the tall columns, get a feel for the land, see the detail of construction, and get some good pictures.

If you choose to walk around the pillars at night, I suggest you wear your boots, stay on the paths carefully cut low and outlined with solar lights, and bring a flashlight so you can see any snakes or other critters that might cross your path in unlit areas.

The installation does not show up in “Maps” (as of August 2018), but you can see it is in a field right along the highway.

If you look at the map again, you can see an area along Hwy. 90 to pull over your vehicle. This pullover is for two historical markers at the same location as the pillars, making parking very convenient. If you are a guest at the RV park, we noticed a wide, cleared path to the pillars.

The image below shows the position of the two historical markers with the pillars. The only caution we had to take was jumping over the tall grass in a ditch full of water.

Once you get past the ditch, an open gate with two solar lights welcomes you. Once inside, more lights mark the outer boundaries, and cleared grass makes it easy to walk around.

This happy s[he] creature is my favorite. ♥

As I mentioned, I chose not to walk up to the pillars when I returned at night. Instead, I stayed by the historical markers and set my camera on one of the monuments. I also had to change my ISO setting to 16,000 to get a decent picture (I forgot my tripod).

A nice feature of “Actual Contact” is you don’t have to stop to experience it (but that would be a shame). When the pillars are lit at night, they are easily seen when driving down the highway, from the RV park, and by travelers on the trains. Another nice feature is visiting is FREE!

Check out the following articles/website for more information on the Marfa Pillars (aka “Actual Contact”) and the artist’s background.

Actual Contact – artist, Jason W. A. Tucker

Reality Sandwich – “Actual Contact: Pillars of Light at Burning Man, Marfa, and Beyond,” Lily Ross

Marfa Pillars – DesertUSA

Happy Trails!
Mrs. Padilly