Explore Spectacular Outdoor Art Exhibits at Desert X
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Embark on an exciting and vibrant adventure in the picturesque Palm Springs/Coachella Valley region! If you’re searching for a unique and enjoyable experience, consider immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring outdoor art exhibitions hosted by Desert X. Delve into the enchanting landscapes and thought-provoking installations that dot this desert oasis. From larger-than-life sculptures to immersive artistic wonders, Desert X promises to captivate your senses and provide an unforgettable journey through the intersection of art and nature. Don’t miss the chance to discover the beauty that unfolds in every corner of this artistic haven!
- What is the Desert X Outdoor Art Exhibition?
- A Tour Through Some of the Pieces at the Desert X 2023 Exhibition
- Desert X 2025
- The act of being together by Jose Dávila
- Soul Service Station by Alison Saar
- To Breathe – Coachella Valley by Kimsooja
- What Remains by Muhannad Shono
- Truth Arrives in Slanted Beams by Sarah Meyohas
- The Living Pyramid by Agnes Denes
- Five things you can’t wear on TV by Raphael Hefti
- Plotting Rest by Kawani Kiwanga
- Unsui (Mirror) by Sanford Biggers
- Final Thoughts on Desert X
What is the Desert X Outdoor Art Exhibition?
Desert X 2025 is the latest edition of the biennial outdoor art exhibition in the Coachella Valley, running from March 8 to May 11. This year’s exhibition features site-specific installations by contemporary artists, exploring themes like Indigenous futurism, design activism, and humanity’s impact on the land. Desert X takes place every other year, with previous editions, including Desert X 2023, showcasing a mix of large-scale sculptures, immersive multimedia works, and thought-provoking installations. Some pieces from past years, including Desert X 2021, are still on display. Their website includes an interactive map showing where each installation is located. Below, I’ve included GPS coordinates for the 2023 pieces I visited, and I’ll update details from 2025 after my upcoming visit!
A Tour Through Some of the Pieces at the Desert X 2023 Exhibition
I spent a few hours exploring the 2023 exhibitions, and below are photos and more details about them. During my visit, I experienced seven of the installations, each offering a unique perspective on the desert landscape. While the 2023 exhibition has since ended, some pieces from previous years may still be on display. Scroll down for a look back at these incredible artworks and enjoy reminiscing about this past Desert X experience!
Sleeping Figure by Matt Johnson
Location: I-10 Exit 110 Haugen-Lehmann Way to Railroad Ave
GPS Coordinates: 33.922876, -116.689379
Sleeping Figure by Matt Johnson is an outdoor art installation made out of shipping containers. Set in front of the San Jacinto mountain range, it currently makes for incredible photos of the blooming desert landscape with the snowy San Jacinto mountains in the background.
To get here, take exit 110 on Interstate 10, and park on the parking lot located next to the eastbound on-ramp. From the parking lot, follow the sign to head east and walk for about five minutes. The trail is very exposed with no shade, but once you are near the exhibit, you can stand underneath it and it provides a little shade. I went on a weekday when it was not very busy at all, but when I drove by the Sunday after, the parking lot was packed!
Namak Nazak by Hylozoic/Desires
Location: Worsley Road between Pierson and Mission Lakes Boulevards, Desert Hot Springs GPS Coordinates: 33.965665, -116.583173
Namak Nazak by Hylozoic/Desires is an audio-visual experience, that you could easily stop by on your way to Joshua Tree National Park. On the day I went, desert wildflowers were in full bloom, and San Bernardino and the San Jacinto Mountains were both covered in snow, which added to the scenic views.
The installation is located a few steps away from the road, and you can easily park alongside Worsley Road. In addition, there is no shade at all in the area, and it is very exposed if it’s a windy day.
Searching for the Sky (While Maintaining Equilibrium) by Mario García Torres
Location: Pierson Boulevard between Foxdale Drive and Miracle Hill Road, Desert Hot Springs GPS Coordinates: 33.963394, -116.485582
Searching for the Sky (While Maintaining Equilibrium) by Mario García Torres is an interesting art exhibit found after a short hike up a hill. From the parking lot, follow the trail for a short walk. This exhibit is also very exposed to the elements. The sculptures are based on a mechanical bull and move around graciously like ballet dancers.
Pioneer by Tschabalala Self
Location: San Gorgonio Street and Bubbling Wells Road, Desert Hot Springs
GPS Coordinates: 33.940884, -116.483980
Pioneer by Tschabalala Self is a very interesting sculpture that will have you staring at it for some time. The parking lot is accessible by driving down a dirt road at the intersection of San Gorgonio Street and Bubbling Wells Road. Once parked, head northwest for a short hike. Shade is available near the sculpture.
Immersion by Gerald Clarke
Location: James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center. 480 W. Tramview Road, Palm Springs GPS Coordinates: 33.868051, -116.553720
Immersion by Gerald Clarke is a very short walking distance away from the Unity Center’s parking lot. On the day I went, there was a fun 45mph wind and dust storm, which was making it difficult to stand up! This is the sculpture of a gameboard with entry points to the maze: Kichamka, Gawika, Tamika, and Temamka. Each is designed to immerse you in the natural and cultural history of Native Americans in the Coachella Valley.
Liquid A Place by Torkwase Dyson
Location: Homme Adams Park. 72500 Thrush Road, Palm Desert GPS Coordinates: 33.708547, -116.399372
Liquid A Place by Torkwase Dyson is very easy to find, with plenty of free parking and only a flat short distance to walk. This sculptural installation encourages you to remember that your body is water and its connection to the water around us, from the desert landscapes to the oceans and rivers around us. There are also hiking trails nearby as well if you’re looking to get more steps in, with great views of a very green Palm Desert town from the top!
No. 1225 Chainlink by Rana Begum
Location: 74184 Portola Road, Palm Desert GPS Coordinates: 33.775917, -116.368694
No. 1225 Chainlink by Rana Begum was one of my favorites because it was so fun to shoot at sunset. Despite the violent connotation that can come with chain links, this piece feels airy and free and is constantly changing and moving depending on the sun and the people walking in it, reminding us that everything in life is always in motion. There are fantastic shadows and views at any time of the day, but sunset and sunrise are the most popular times to visit this one. Highly recommended!
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Desert X 2025
Desert X has returned to the Coachella Valley, running from March 8 to May 11, 2025. Curated by Neville Wakefield and Kaitlin Garcia-Maestas, this year’s exhibition delves into themes of Indigenous futurism, design activism, and colonial power structures, while also exploring humanity’s lasting imprint on the land and the role of emerging technologies. I recently visited most of the 2025 exhibitions. I list them here in the order I visited them, which made the perfect little day trip.
The act of being together by Jose Dávila
GPS Coordinates: 33.948739, -116.592615 Location: Worsley Road between Pierson Boulevard and Painted Hills Road, Desert Hot Springs
Visiting The act of being together is easy, and it was especially busy when I went on a Sunday morning! Despite strong winds, I and many others still enjoyed the art and stunning desert views.
José Dávila’s Desert X 2025 installation is a powerful statement on material, gravity, and time. He uses unaltered marble blocks from a quarry across the U.S.–Mexico border, creating both a physical and symbolic bridge between places. As these blocks move across real and metaphorical borders, they make us rethink visibility, presence, and history.
Walking among these massive stones, scattered as if by unseen forces, feels like standing between past and future, witnessing something both ancient and still forming.
Bonus: There’s plenty of parking along the quiet road, making it easy to stop and take it all in!
Soul Service Station by Alison Saar
GPS Coordinates: 33.962806, -116.542806 Location: Pierson Boulevard between North Indian Canyon Drive and Desert Terrace Way, Desert Hot Springs
Alison Saar’s Soul Service Station was a mesmerizing audio-visual experience that I highly recommend. Unlike some of the busier installations, this one had a more peaceful atmosphere when I arrived, allowing me to fully immerse myself in its unique blend of sculpture, sound, and spiritual reflection. Saar’s reimagined gas station offers more than just a visual spectacle—it feels like a sanctuary, inviting visitors to pause and recharge. The handcrafted assemblages, community-created foil medallions, and the powerful presence of the life-size guardian figure all contribute to a deeply moving space. Adding to the experience, the repurposed gas pump plays poetry by Harryette Mullen, weaving words into the ambiance and making Soul Service Station a must-visit for anyone seeking both art and introspection. There’s parking alongside the road, making it easy to access and explore this tranquil retreat.
To Breathe – Coachella Valley by Kimsooja
GPS Coordinates: 33.962040, -116.488532
To Breathe – Coachella Valley by Kimsooja was one of my favorite installations this year. The glass structure itself is stunning, and during daylight, you get beautiful prism effects through people’s sunglasses, sequin clothing, and the natural sunlight reflecting off the glass. However, for the best effects, I highly recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset, when the light shifts and the installation truly comes alive. The unique optical film wrapped around the structure transforms it into a dynamic spectrum of color and light, making for an immersive experience that feels both ephemeral and profound. There’s a parking lot nearby, and it’s a short hike to get to the installation, making the journey part of the experience. The piece’s connection to the cycles of life and light, along with its cultural influences, adds depth to the visual beauty, creating an unforgettable moment in the desert.
What Remains by Muhannad Shono
GPS Coordinates: 33.772879, -116.319639
Location: Avenue 38, Thousand Palms
Muhannad Shono’s What Remains was an incredible experience, especially given the super windy conditions on the day I visited. The wind and sand patterns on the surrounding desert floor made the installation even more striking, amplifying its ever-changing, fluid nature. The strips of fabric, infused with native sand, followed the wind’s direction, creating a sense of movement that reflected both the forces of nature and the shifting nature of identity. As the wind caused the fabric to tangle and form chaotic bundles, it felt like a collaboration between the artwork and the environment, making the desert itself a dynamic part of the installation. Parking was available alongside the road, and it wasn’t very busy, probably because it’s a bit more out of the way compared to some of the other installations. Shono’s work beautifully captures the themes of transformation and displacement, and the combination of nature and art created an experience that felt both transient and deeply resonant.
Truth Arrives in Slanted Beams by Sarah Meyohas
GPS Coordinates: 33.776538, -116.370608
Location: 74184 Portola Road, Palm Desert
Sarah Meyohas’ immersive installation was very popular with kids of all ages and provides great photo opportunities. Parking is available alongside the busy road, making it easy to access despite the crowds. Meyohas blends analog and digital technologies to illuminate systems shaping contemporary society, and this installation showcases “caustics,” light patterns formed by the refraction or reflection of light through curved surfaces. The mirrored panels and ribbon-like structure create a playful yet thought-provoking experience, as visitors interact with the mirrors to adjust the projections and discover visual illusions. The poetic phrase “truth arrives in slanted beams” is revealed as visitors manipulate the mirrors, creating an engaging and enchanting moment in the desert. The installation draws on ancient timekeeping technology and 20th-century land art, making it a striking addition to Desert X this year.
The Living Pyramid by Agnes Denes
GPS Coordinates: 33.780500, -116.406167
Location: Sunnylands Center & Gardens, Rancho Mirage, California, USA
Agnes Denes’ The Living Pyramid is a striking fusion of monumental sculpture and environmental intervention, embodying both the mathematical precision of pyramids and the organic imperfection of nature. Planted with native vegetation, the piece evolves, mirroring the cycles of life and change within the desert landscape.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see this one in person. There were so many cars trying to get into the location that traffic became stagnant, and after some time, I gave up.
Five things you can’t wear on TV by Raphael Hefti
GPS Coordinates: 33.708547, -116.399372
Location: Homme Adams Park, Palm Desert, California, USA
Five Things You Can’t Wear on TV by Raphael Hefti was an extraordinary audio-visual experience, especially with the wind on the day I visited. The installation had easy parking, and as the wind picked up, the taut black polymer fiber vibrated, creating a sound that resembled a gently strummed guitar string. This oscillation created a visual harmonic, adding an almost musical layer to the desert’s vastness. The effect was disorienting, blurring the lines of perception and scale as the vibrating line oscillated against the horizon. Wind, light, and the surrounding landscape all came together to amplify this kinetic dance, transforming the piece into an environmental condition that was both mesmerizing and thought-provoking.
Plotting Rest by Kawani Kiwanga
GPS Coordinates: 33.857694, -116.559111
Location: North of Palm Springs Visitor Center at Tramway Road, Palm Springs
It was extremely windy when I visited Plotting Rest by Kiwanga, which made the installation feel even more alive and free. There’s a small off-street parking lot nearby, making it a convenient stop despite the elements. The lattice roof, inspired by the quilting motif “flying geese,” allowed the wind to pass through, casting ever-changing shadows on the ground and adding to the dynamic atmosphere. Rooted in the historical context of the Underground Railroad, the structure symbolizes both shelter and the absence of safety, reflecting the dualities of permanence and impermanence. Plotting Rest serves as a powerful reminder of the contested narratives of freedom and migration, making it a thought-provoking piece to experience in the desert landscape.
Unsui (Mirror) by Sanford Biggers
GPS Coordinates: 33.867286, -116.552478 Location: James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, 480 W. Tramview Road, Palm Springs
Unsui (Mirror) by Sanford Biggers is a stunning installation that features two towering sequin sculptures shimmering in the desert light. The wind made the installation come alive as the sequins danced in the breeze. The installation has easy off-street parking, so it’s easy to visit and take in the majestic beauty of the piece. Inspired by clouds and Biggers’ study of Buddhism, the sculptures stand over 30 feet tall, symbolizing freedom, movement, and the connection between memory and identity. Situated at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, the installation carries a message of hope and resilience, reflecting the community’s ongoing efforts toward reparations.
Final Thoughts on Desert X
Desert X continues to be an extraordinary fusion of art and landscape, transforming the Coachella Valley into an open-air gallery that invites curiosity, reflection, and adventure. Each edition brings a fresh perspective on themes like identity, history, and humanity’s relationship with nature, making every visit a unique experience. Whether it’s the large-scale sculptures that reshape the desert skyline or the more intimate installations that encourage contemplation, Desert X has a way of leaving a lasting impression.
Looking back at past exhibitions, it’s fascinating to see how artists have used this rugged yet beautiful terrain to craft thought-provoking pieces that evolve with time, weather, and perspective. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend planning a trip to Desert X 2025; it’s an inspiring reminder of the power of art to challenge, connect, and transform.
Post originally published on April 13, 2023, and last updated on April 2, 2025.
