“Nevada Love” is a digital artwork that intertwines the rich history of Nevada with a subtle nod to one of its most controversial industries: brothels. The piece is a map of the state, artistically rendered, where the locations of Nevada’s brothels are hidden within the intricate details of the design. This duality of overt geography and hidden history mirrors the nuanced relationship Nevada has with legalized prostitution.

Brothels have been a part of Nevada’s story since the mid-19th century, a reflection of the frontier lifestyle. As gold and silver mining boomed, brothels flourished in the rugged mining towns. While prostitution was largely unregulated early on, Nevada formalized the industry in the 1970s, making it the only U.S. state where brothels are legally operated today. Most of Nevada’s brothels are located in rural counties, as they remain illegal in populous areas like Las Vegas and Reno.

“Nevada Love” captures this blend of open landscapes and hidden cultural layers, inviting viewers to explore the map and, in doing so, consider the history of the industry that has quietly persisted for over a century. The piece is both a celebration of Nevada’s unique character and a reflection on the longstanding social dynamics that shape it.