Transmission sculpture by Daniel Popper in Joshua Tree, California.
What Is the Transmission Sculpture?
- Artist & Creation: Crafted by South African sculptor Daniel Popper and commissioned in collaboration with designer Morgan Brown, Transmission debuted in 2021 at Mojave Moon Ranch, just outside Joshua Tree National Park.TikTok+13Secret Los Angeles+13My Modern Met+13
- Design & Symbolism: The sculpture features a serene, meditative female figure—approximately 32 feet tall, with hands around 27–28 feet high. Her hands include circular cutouts and crescent moon motifs, and her surface is adorned with shimmering dichroic glass mirror mosaics that shift colors with movement and lighting.Joshua Tree Voice+3Secret Los Angeles+3My Modern Met+3 The artwork symbolizes the connection between Earth and sky—and by extension, the spiritual and physical realms.Roadtrippers+7Joshua Tree Voice+7My Modern Met+7
- Materials: Constructed of steel-reinforced concrete (some sources add fiberglass components) and festooned with mosaic tiles that reflect sunlight, giving it a radiant, otherworldly presence.The Mojave Moon+1
Location & Visiting Info
- Where to See It: It’s located on private property at Mojave Moon Ranch (near Sunfair Dry Lake), and close-up access is reserved for guests only.The Mojave Moon+8Joshua Tree Voice+8Google Cloud Storage+8
- Public Viewing: A dedicated turnout on Sunfair Road allows visitors to safely view and photograph the sculpture from a respectful distance. Trespassing onto the property is strictly prohibited, with significant penalties for violations.shopstagandhen.com+4The Mojave Moon+4Secret Los Angeles+4
- Visitor Impressions: Joshua Tree locals and fans call it a “must-see” that feels “enchanting,” “unique,” and a perfect fit for the local art-drenched desert vibe.Yelp+1
Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Transmission |
| Artist | Daniel Popper (with Morgan Brown, Mojave Moon Ranch) |
| Year | Installed in 2021 |
| Height | ~32 ft (female form); hands ~27–28 ft |
| Medium | Steel-reinforced concrete, dichroic mirror mosaic |
| Symbolism | Earth–sky/spiritual–physical connection |
| Access | Private property (Mojave Moon Ranch) |
| Public Viewing | From a roadside turnout on Sunfair Road |
Tips for Visiting
- Take the Turnout: Plan to stop at the official turnout on Sunfair Road to get your best views—and photos—without trespassing.
- Timing Is Everything: Visit during early morning or golden hour for the best lighting to catch those shifting mosaic reflections.
- Pair Your Trip: Combine this stop with other Joshua Tree-area destinations—like hidden art installations, hiking spots, or Joshua Tree National Park itself—for a well-rounded desert adventure.
- Respect the Land: Stay on designated paths, preserve the fragile desert flora, and remember: the sculpture is private property—up-close access is not allowed.
