Sun Tunnels in the Utah Desert

by HOLLY VASIC

As you make your way to Wendover you may notice what seems like random substantial tubes in the middle of the desert, but in fact you are seeing land art. The structure is named “Sun Tunnels” created by artist Nancy Holt in the mid-1970s. Utahns have found solace during the summer and winter solstice in the four 9 feet diameter concrete cylinders, with holes that frame the sun during those times of the year, and seek the concrete sculptures as a destination. The tunnels lay 18 feet in length in an open cross shape, large enough for visitors to interact with the structure, weaving their way inside, out, and atop.

Holt was originally from the East Coast, born in Massachusetts and raised in New Jersey, graduating with a major in Biology from Tufts University according to her foundation’s website. Holt created many non-traditional works during her career using a plethora of mediums. She became apart of the Earthwork, or Land Art, movement in the 1960s and 70s which refers to art that is created using the land itself or installing works into the landscape, using natural materials or not, says Tate.org. Holt was not only interested in interacting with the Earth but also the Heavens and connected her pieces with the cosmos, such as the “Sun Tunnels” and their specifically placed openings.

Holt passed away in 2014 and this year New York’s Dia art foundation acquired “Sun Tunnels,” which is Dia’s first piece of Land Art by a woman according to the New York Times. Their website states, Dia is proud to be the owner and steward of Nancy Holt’s Sun Tunnels. We rely on your help to preserve the artwork for all of us now and for future generations.

The “Sun Tunnels” have also inspired other artist, such as University of Utah alum, Kelly O’Neil, whose project “Render/er” was featured at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art last year, 2017, and is, what he calls, a “reimagination of sun tunnels.” O’Neil camped at the tunnels multiple times before completing his work of creating 3D models of the tunnels. O’Neil begs the question, “how close can one get to the tunnels without ever stepping outside?” he said last year after his exhibit opened. O’Neil particularly enjoys “Sun Tunnels” during summer solstice when the sun rising is framed by one of the tunnels and the sun set is framed in another, “I think she’s a genius, I love the sun tunnels I think they’re amazing” he said.

There are many ways to appreciate this fascinating gem of Utah art whether you have the opportunity to see them in person, possibly stay overnight, or not Holt’s “Sun Tunnels” are a piece of land art that will be remembered.