The Landfill Project: Deming, New Mexico

As an extension of our goal, to reduce the number of extant ART objects in the world, we propose establishing a model desert Art repository. Located in southwest New Mexico, about 15 miles from the U.S.Mexican border,the site provides a serene and monumental setting for the interment of excess Artworks. The nearby town of Deming (pop. 17,375) functions as a major commercial rail hub and interstate stopover providing easy transportation access. Other regional landfills could be established throughout the world based on our model. With success, we could even apply on the federal level for Monument status, possibly expanding the site into a park.

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This architectural rendering of the proposed visitor center shows an artificially constructed berm partially revealing/concealing a steel reinforced concrete pyramid inspired by excavations of ancient Mayan altars found at Chichen Itza in Mexico. The structure would be one half covered in soil salvaged from the landfill process and relandscaped to match the local foliage of mequite and sedge grass. Thus creating an (approx.) 20 foot high observation area facing the interment field. The hollow interior would provide shelter from the locale high desert climate. The stepped sides could double as amphitheatre seating or staging for public events or performances.

Photos are courtesy Joe and Ruby Kies www.confluence.org/

DEMING,N.M.

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