Artist creates secret pool in California desert
Social Pool, an installation by Alfredo Barsuglia, allows visitors to relax in a cool, minimalist plunge pool, while they enjoy spectacular desert views - but you'll have to find it first.
The desert can play strange tricks on the mind. Apparently it's not uncommon for wanderers, befuddled with sunstroke and desperate for water, to sight, in the distance, a shimmering lake, a cruel desert mirage that then vanishes without a trace.
But for some intrepid visitors to the Southern California desert, there's real water to be found in the form of a new art installation by Alfredo Barsuglia.
Social Pool is an eleven-by-five-feet wide pool in the Southern California desert, which is available for anybody to use - provided you can find it, that is. In fact the remote location of the pool is part of the point of the whole artwork. Visitors are given precise GPS coordinates, as well as a key to open the lid of the pool.
It looks lovely, but if you're planning a dip, be advised that you'll need to be prepared to drive several hours from Los Angeles to get there. Would-be visitors are also advised that they will need a willingness 'to walk a long distance to reach the pool from the nearest road'.
Naturally, there are other safely precautions. The Organisers advise: 'Social Pool is located in the desert, in a remote area without any infrastructure. Be aware that there are no roads, trails or signs that lead to the pool. You will have to walk a certain distance in order to reach the pool from the nearest road. Don't forget to bring drinking water, food and sun protection. For your stay in the desert, it's recommended to wear a hat, sun glasses and boots.'
According to Barsugliat: 'The idea to build Social Pool was conceived a few years ago, in 2010, while I lived in New York. I designed the pool together with Peter Noever and then built the pool together with two working assistants on site in autumn 2013 and spring 2014.'
The GPS coordinates of Social Pool as well as the key to open its mobile cover are provided by the MAK Center for Art and Architecture in West Hollywood.
Prospective visitors are advised to call or drop in to the MAK Center for Art and Architecture on the day they want to visit Social Pool and check if the key is available. There are no reservations.
The pool is open for people to use between 1 May and 30 September.
