Gazing upon this transformed gas station, you’re standing before Neon Saltwater’s “Mystery Cruise 1990”. This isn’t just any abandoned gas station on Fremont Street. It’s a vibrant piece of art. Originally a 1930s gas station, this structure has seen many iterations. It’s been a repair shop and even a taco drive-through. But now, thanks to digital artist Abigail Dougherty, also known as Neon Saltwater, it’s a colorful beacon. The Gas Can/Chainwheel/Bullet Art, officially titled “Mystery Cruise 1990”, pulsates with an otherworldly glow. The name is a nod to Dougherty’s birth year and a sense of embracing the unknown. Commissioned by JustKids, a creative firm that curates art for the Life Is Beautiful Festival, this installation transformed the abandoned station. Real neon illuminates the overhang, a stark contrast to the digital art Dougherty is known for. The Gas Can/Chainwheel/Bullet Art is a blend of old and new Vegas, a collision of vintage neon and modern digital aesthetics. While the inside remains inaccessible, the exterior is a spectacle. Magenta lights cast shadows of tropical plants against fogged windows, creating an intriguing, almost mysterious aura. Dougherty, who transitioned from interior design to digital art, found her niche in neon-infused digital spaces, usually devoid of people. This project marks her first foray into working with real neon, bringing her digital world into physical reality. The Gas Can/Chainwheel/Bullet Art is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of art. It’s a time capsule, a vibrant reminder of the past, and a testament to the power of artistic vision. So next time you’re in Las Vegas, take a detour to Fremont Street. Witness this unique fusion of history and art. Let the Gas Can/Chainwheel/Bullet Art transport you on a “Mystery Cruise” of its own.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to