I heard there was an interesting outdoor museum in the town of Joshua Tree, CA, a place that draws artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and interesting people from all walk of life.
Noah Purifoy’s outdoor museum and sculpture garden, sits just to the north of Joshua Tree National Park in the heart of the California desert.
If you have ever been a fan of the Dada artist movement, then you may appreciate this place.
Noah used all kinds of interesting, discarded objects to create his sculptures.
He layered materials, but seemed to have a penchant for metal. It has a rugged, and rustic look, along with tending to last longer in the harsh desert conditions.
You may come across something that looks like it could be a building or the patio wing of a house, only to realize it is art for the sake of art. It serves no actual purpose. The play of lines, of textures, and of light, seems to be what he was after.
As you can see here, the direction of the sun, and the time of day interact with his pieces in such a way, that it’s almost deliberate.
The patchwork technique used here was really intriguing. It brought to mind what it might look like patching up an only metal tanker ship, so it stays afloat. There is a steampunk vibe happening, but Noah was well before that trend.
This fence of sorts, is similar to many of those lining the homes in the area. There is a freedom to create here in Joshua Tree. Many of the homes, have junk fences, but I like it. I love the driftwood look, intermingling with barbed wire.
This one, kind of spoke to me. Maybe it was since my first name begins with an S, and my maiden name, did as well.
When you visit an outdoor museum like this, you will always have your own takeaways, unique to anyone else who visits. I was an art student once, who is fairly inactive at the moment. I have created art from found objects before. So I suppose I came here with a bit of a critical eye, and kept asking, “What was he thinking, when he made this?”
When I would be in creative mode, it would be very unplanned. That’s how this place felt to me. It was very authentic and unplanned. There is something special about that. It’s like a sketchbook, that slowly unfolded, but in 3D.
Conclusion
I plan to return here again someday, since it’s worth a second look, or a third. I think this museum has an enduring quality that may last, maybe even longer than some of the materials. But maybe that was part of the idea.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About Me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2021 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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