Attempting to Skateboard Michael Heizer's Mega Sculpture in the Desert

Recently, the internet was buzzing with videos and discussions about a massive sculpture in Nevada called “City,” created by the artist Michael Heizer. This monumental artwork, decades in the making and costing $40 million, quickly became a topic of interest, particularly for skateboarders. The sheer scale and unique design of “City” sparked curiosity, making it seem like an ultimate, albeit unconventional, skate spot.

The team at Jenkem, intrigued by this discovery, decided it was the perfect challenge for their newest intern, Kohl Marantz. Tasked with the seemingly impossible mission of sneaking into “City” and landing a trick, Kohl, a Las Vegas native, and his crew embarked on a desert adventure. Armed with skateboards and a thirst for the unique, they braved the Nevada landscape, navigating security concerns and desert wildlife to capture some one-of-a-kind skateboarding footage. This mission was a testament to their dedication to creating unique content and pushing the boundaries of where skateboarding can happen.

A wide shot of the Michael Heizer sculpture, showing its massive scale and desert surroundings

Table of Contents

The Allure of “City”

Michael Heizer’s “City” is not your typical skate park. It’s a massive art installation, sprawling across the Nevada desert, consisting of geometric shapes and earthworks. The sheer scale and the contrast against the natural desert environment are what made it so alluring to the skateboarding community. It presented a unique opportunity to blend art and skateboarding in an unprecedented way. The allure was undeniable: a massive, untouched landscape begging to be skated.

The Challenge

The challenge wasn’t just about the skateboarding, but also about the logistics of reaching the site. With the location being a closely guarded and remote area, Kohl and his team had to carefully plan their approach. They needed to avoid security, navigate the desert terrain, and overcome any other unexpected obstacles. The goal was clear: to document the attempt to skate “City,” regardless of the outcome.

The Skate Mission

Kohl’s journey was not just about landing a trick, but also about exploring the possibilities of this unconventional skate spot. While access was limited and the surfaces were not designed for skateboarding, the team captured the essence of the adventure, showcasing the spirit of skateboarding in its purest form. The resulting video captures the sheer audacity of the attempt, as well as the determination of a crew willing to go to extreme lengths for their passion.

The Result

Even though the primary goal of landing a trick at the sculpture was not entirely successful, the experience was a success. The team managed to capture footage that highlights the monumental nature of Heizer’s “City,” showcasing the intersection of art and skateboarding. It’s a testament to the drive and creativity of skateboarders to find skate spots in the most unexpected places. The team’s journey, though challenging, resulted in a unique piece of skateboarding content that highlights the lengths enthusiasts will go for the love of the sport.

This project encapsulates the spirit of skateboarding – embracing challenges, thinking outside the box, and transforming the mundane into an opportunity for adventure. The willingness to go above and beyond for “content” showcases the passion within the skate community and the innovative ways that they continue to expand the boundaries of their sport.