Cj Hendry's epic pool installation is an immersive homage to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas

If you were lucky enough to be in Nevada's Sandy Valley Ranch last weekend, you'd have been forgiven for thinking you were looking at a mirage. That's because artist Cj Hendry installed an epic art installation in the form of a colossal inflatable swimming pool in the middle of its arid plains.

Measuring 50 metres long and standing three feet tall, the bewildering piece of work titled Public Pool was Cj's first show in Nevada. Populated with all sorts of inflatable goodies, including palm trees, flowers and flamingos, she says it acts as "a celebration of Vegas kitschy pool fun in the desert, offering a surprising and playful oasis in an unexpected background."

For Cj, Public Pool taps into her love of the vivacity of Las Vegas, as well as playing to the duality of the surrounding desert environment. "I hope this exhibition sparks joy, connection, and a sense of wonder for everyone who dives into the experience," she explains.

"The idea for the Public Pool exhibition came to me as I contemplated spaces of communal experience and recreation," Cj reveals. "I wanted to create an immersive environment to transport viewers into a nostalgic yet surprising setting.

"The concept evolved from the desire to play with scale, perspective, and nature — inviting visitors to dive into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary with the vibes of a Las Vegas pool party in the middle of a desert."

Beyond being a magnificent spectacle, Cj hopes that visitors who managed to make it to Public Pool were able to experience a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity. "I want them to feel transported to a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the mundane is transformed into the magical," she adds.

"Whether they're enjoying the pool or marvelling at the intricacies of my artwork, I hope they leave feeling inspired and invigorated, ready to see the world through fresh eyes."

Speaking of artworks, an array of originals and merchandise accompanied the Public Pool exhibition. These included Cj's signature lifelike drawings of inflatable dolphins, cacti, and pizza slices, as well as encased pieces, towels, T-shirts, and baseball caps.