Desert X is a Must-See Palms Springs Art Destination
I recently traveled to Palm Springs for a VIP viewing of Desert X where I had the privilege of experiencing a guided tour hosted by the Hammer Museum’s Assistant Curator and my best friend, Erin Christovale. Our group, made up of Hammer board members, met in front of the Palm Springs Museum of Art and then piled onto a large bus that escorted us across the windy Coachella Valley to experience as many of the installations as we could before sundown.
Having attended the inaugural Desert X that launched in February 2017, where I photographed the incredible Mirage designed by Doug Aitken, I was eager to explore the latest iteration.
What is Desert X?
Desert X is a site-specific biennial art exhibition held throughout the Coachella Valley in Southern California. This year marks the fourth installment of Desert X, showcasing 12 installations by artists from North America, Europe, and South Asia, curated by Artist Director Neville Wakefield and co-curator Diana Campbell. These works are sprinkled along the desert landscape and span mediums such as performance, sculpture, film, choreography, painting, architecture, photography, and design. Desert X is held entirely outdoors and is free to the public, open from sunrise to sunset every day.
This exhibition was established by the charitable organization Desert Biennial, founded in 2015. The group's mission is to bring attention to the Coachella Valley through unique works by emerging artists with an emphasis on Native American culture, climate change, tourism, and immigration.
When is Desert X?
Desert X takes place every two years. The 2023 installment runs from March 4, 2023 - May 7, 2023. I recommend downloading the app before heading out to the site-specific works. The app includes turn-by-turn directions to each site, artist bios, and information about the artworks. If you would like to pick up a physical DX23 program, stop by the Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs to learn more about the exhibition and chat with the team.
My Tips for Desert X
Check your weather app before heading out to the Coachella Valley. Remember - the weather in Los Angeles is very different from the desert. The day I visited Desert X, there was a storm in L.A., but it was clear skies and sun out in Palm Springs.
Bring sunscreen because you’ll be outside.
Be prepared for the wind!
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as there is quite a bit of walking, especially if you plan on seeing the Matt Johnson piece.
Wear a hat - I wish I had worn a hat on our excursion as the wind was A LOT for my hair and face.
Make time to eat. There is a lot of art to see and you’re going to get hungry. Pack some snacks for the car and hit Bar Cecil or Boozehounds for lunch, brunch, or dinner.
Location
Ace Hotel & Swim Club
701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
Open Fridays 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Stop by the Desert X Hub at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs to pick up a free DX23 Program and Family Guide, plan your visit, learn about the exhibition, and chat with our team & volunteers about your Desert X experience.
