Main lessons
- Free access to 11 facilities specially designed for the Coachella Valley.
- Works by artists from Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.
- Presence of 3D printed architecture and installations integrating local vegetation and industrial materials.
- Exploring the themes of human impact and nature's resilience
From March 8 to May 11, 2025, the Coachella Valley transforms into a massive outdoor art gallery thanks to Desert X 2025. This free exhibition features 11 unique installations by international artists. Curated by Neville Wakefield and Kaitlin Garcia Maestas, the event explores the connections between the desert's past, present, and future, showcasing sculptural works, land art creations, and interactive installations.
A Dialogue Between Art and Environment
The artists of Desert X 2025 use the desert as a vast living canvas. Among them, Sanford Biggers unveils Unsui (Mirror) , a 30-foot sculpture covered in shimmering mirrors, while Agnes Denes presents The Living Pyramid , an evolving structure composed of native plants. Sustainability is also at the heart of the exhibition, with the use of recycled materials and innovative technologies like 3D printing.
The exhibition honors the ancestral lands of the Cahuilla people, addressing themes related to displacement and environmental resilience. Through its works, Desert X 2025 invites visitors to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature, while promoting the region's cultural heritage.
An Evolution of Land Art
Since its creation in 2017 by the Desert Biennial , Desert X has become a major event in contemporary land art. Inspired by the artistic movements of the 1960s, it highlights the interaction between art and the environment. For this edition, the exhibition spans 25 miles , exploring themes ranging from colonial histories to technological innovations.
Among the notable installations, Cannupa Hanska Luger 's GHOST Ride fuses industrial waste and Native American crafts, offering a reflection on heritage and the future. Meanwhile, Jose Dávila questions notions of wealth and migration with his marble blocks moved from the US-Mexico border.
An Artistic Immersion in the Desert
Visitors to Desert X 2025 can discover works that transform their perception of space and time. Sarah Meyohas plays with light illusions, while Raphael Hefti offers kinetic sculptures. Kapwani Kiwanga revisits ancient historical narratives, and Ronald Rael presents 3D-printed houses, highlighting the challenges of sustainable architecture.
Each installation is designed to evolve with the seasons, illustrating the movement and transformation of the desert. This immersive exhibition not only presents art, but also encourages reflection on our place in nature and time.
Practical Information and Cultural Impact
Desert X 2025 is taking place in five cities in the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs and Palm Desert . For the best experience, visitors can use the Desert X app, which provides maps and detailed explanations of each artwork. A central hub is also available in Thompson Palm Springs for assistance, Friday through Sunday.
The exhibition emphasizes the history and culture of the Cahuilla people, highlighting the importance of Indigenous perspectives in contemporary art. By highlighting themes of memory, identity, and environment, Desert X 2025 offers a compelling dialogue between the desert's past and future.
Accessible to all, this unique event is an opportunity to discover how art can redefine our view of the natural world.
Jean Dubreil