Playboy Marfa

Bunny_2We drove out to Marfa July 4th weekend to actually see if the sculpture in Marfa, Texas known as Playboy Marfa was still standing and to see what all the fuss was about.  The conflict of Playboy Enterprises versus the Texas Department of Transportation has received a lot of press coverage.  Playboy calls it art and some Marfa residents call it an advertisement.  The 40 foot high neon sculpture is a playboy bunny logo sitting atop a pole next to a 1972 Dodge Charger, a well known muscle car of the 1970’s , at rest atop a tilted platform.  We came upon the site on U.S. 90 about a mile west of Marfa to find other folks pulled over checking out the proclaimed work of art.  A Marfa resident filed a complaint with TXDOT who upon investigation discovered that the property owners did not have a permit for a sign, and that the location is not eligible for such a license.  They gave Playboy 45 days to remove the sculpture.  We didn’t find anything offensive and Marfa is getting a lot of attention because of  it.  Playboy lawyers are planning to fight the order to remove the sculpture known as Playboy Marfa.  If you want to see for yourself head out to West Texas soon.  As of the middle of July we have not seen any updates as to which side will prevail.

2011-08-24_Valentine_Texas_Prada_Purse_4331There is another work of art on the same highway, U.S. 90.  Just travel further west towards the town of Valentine and you will come upon Prada Marfa.  Prada Marfa was erected in 2005.  It mimics one of the high-end fashion brand’s stores.   You will spot it standing alongside of the dusty highway fronting an empty field.

 

 

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