The California desert has for some time been a source of inspiration for artists seeking to make vast large-scale works that exist outside the regular exhibition typical gallery space. Desert X praises that convention by bringing contemporary artists from around the globe out to the Coachella Valley to make pop-up installations and site-specific pieces. The art festival returns for a keep running from February 9 to April 21.
While the rundown of artists and events that will make up this year’s festival have not yet been announced, those subtleties are relied upon to be discharged soon. The 2017 festival included 16 pieces, including contributions from artists Jennifer Bolande, Will Boone, and Glenn Kaino.
A standout amongst the most popular installations was artist Doug Aitken’s Mirage. The mirror-clad house reflected the surrounding mountains, nearly disappearing into the landscape. The building’s design referenced design styles of the locale while the unending reflections brought up questions concerning the connection between built and natural environments and the expansion of human development. It was also a really popular selfie spot.
Visiting Desert X is free and independently guided, with maps of the works of art accessible at various areas and on the web. Guided visits ($125) will likewise be offered in conjunction with Modernism Week in Palm Springs, February 14 to 24.
While the Desert X dates cover with the Coachella music festival weekends– and halting by the installations makes for a great road trip diversion for festival- goers– it’sa totally separate entity. Also,The undercurrent of all the art presented at Desert X is raising awareness of environmental and political issues and engaging visitors with the natural world.
