NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – In the series premiere of the Barker Files, seasoned investigative reporter Larry Barker sits down with news anchor Jessica Garate to take a look into the archives and examine one of his past stories. The first story featured in the series is from 2011, in which Larry investigated how public money was used for private art. The investigation is called The Lightning Field, named after the art installation featured in the story. It covers how the state of New Mexico used $500,000 of taxpayer money to secure a deed that ensures the protection of the land surrounding a private art installation in Quemado.
“The Lightning Field” is a landscape art piece created by Walter De Maria in 1977. It consists of 400 stainless steel poles spaced apart to create a grid-style formation. The piece is a highly exclusive experience which requires prospective participants to apply and pay $300 per person to attend for one night only. The installation exists in a remote location in Catron County, New Mexico and is not widely known amongst locals.
In this episode, Barker shares a behind-the-scenes look into this investigation, from how he uncovered the story to how he captured footage of this secluded art installation. He explains the importance of uncovering the misuse of taxpayer funds, because “public money should have a public benefit.”…