Very Blue Light

The design for Very Blue Light plays with contrast and absence—balancing the surreal with the intimate. Inspired by the vast, empty landscapes of Marfa and the eerie ambiguity of alien encounters, the space mirrors Magana’s growing isolation. It captures what it means to feel so small in the middle of a vast desert, while also exploring the fragile line between doubt and belief.

PROCESS

RESEARCH

To imagine the world of Very Blue Light, I started with Marfa, Texas—where the story takes place. I also explored artworks inspired by the color blue, light phenomena, and pop culture’s visual language around the “alien.”

SKETCHES

In early conversations with Kristen and Daphne (the director and writer), they shared stories from their trip to Marfa—including a napkin sketch of a landscape artwork and reflections on the Marfa Lights observatory. Their memories sparked ideas for spatial possibilities throughout the design process.

VISUALIZATION

The design went through several iterations, first in sketches and then digitally, to help the projection designer understand potential surfaces. Eventually, the concept evolved to also accommodate another production sharing the same space.

DRAFTING

These images reflect how the design was adapted to fit the venue and integrate smoothly with scenic elements from the other play, allowing both shows to coexist and function effectively.

PAINT ELEVATIONS

These textures and colors helped ground the design in the dusty, open feel of Marfa—creating a foundation for the projections to blend and enhance the environment.

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