Andrea Zittel: 'Wagon Station Encampment' | Art21 'Extended Play'

Episode #214: This episode features Andrea Zittel’s "Wagon Station Encampment" (2004–ongoing)—a series of sleeping pods arranged throughout her property in Joshua Tree, California. Twice per year, when the desert climate is mild, Zittel allows artists, hikers, and researchers to stay in the Encampment, which is adjacent to her home and studio. Designed to facilitate social engagement as well as personal exploration, the Encampment is a blend of communal and private spaces. "Everybody has their desert fantasy; my particular fantasy was probably living on an alien landscape," says Zittel who describes the Encampment as reflecting a "sci-fi pioneer aesthetic."

Andrea Zittel transforms everything necessary for life—such as eating, sleeping, bathing, and socializing—into artful experiments in living. Zittel's A-Z West, a thirty-five acre residential and studio complex in the California high desert, is a testing ground for the artist's innovative sculptures, installations, and design projects.

Learn more about the artist at:

CREDITS: Producer: Ian Forster. Consulting Producers: Wesley Miller & Nick Ravich. Interview: Ian Forster. Camera: Zach Voytas. Sound: Ian Forster. Editor: Morgan Riles. Artwork Courtesy: Andrea Zittel. Special Thanks: Cara Despain, Micol Hebron, Tiernan Hebron, and Vanesa Zendejas. Theme Music: Peter Foley.

ART21 "Exclusive" is supported, in part, by 21c Museum Hotel, and by individual contributors.

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[thunderwood]

Stumbled upon her book "Lay of My Land" at the library today and had to check Youtube to see if there were any videos of this compound. So pleased to find this video! Thanks!

[neilerrey]

Most interesting, thanks for making this available Andrea.

[aiminghigh]

I love this idea. Love the desert. I want to create similar on 10 acres of old growth on Lasqueti island. Who wants to join me?