Desert X 2019 West Valley Guide: Art Installations, Locations & Essential Tips
The second edition of Desert X, a premier international contemporary art exhibition in Greater Palm Springs, ran from February 9 to April 21, 2019. Curated by Artistic Director Neville Wakefield and co-curators Amanda Hunt and Matthew Schum, this free public event featured site-specific installations and performances across the Coachella Valley.
Featured artists included Iván Argote, Steve Badgett & Chris Taylor, Nancy Baker Cahill, Cecilia Bengolea, Pia Camil, John Gerrard, Julian Hoeber, Jenny Holzer, Iman Issa, Mary Kelly, Armando Lerma, Eric N. Mack, Cinthia Marcelle, Postcommodity, Cara Romero, Sterling Ruby, Kathleen Ryan, Gary Simmons, and Superflex.
Where to Find Desert X Installations
Sites stretched from Whitewater in the west to Mecca in the east, spanning Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Indio, Coachella, and more. This guide covers the west valley locations; view the east valley guide here.
Jenny Holzer, Before I Become Afraid, 2019
Note: This installation was not yet available for viewing at the time of publication. Check desertx.org for updates.
Sterling Ruby, SPECTER, 2019
98-2 Snowcreek Canyon Road, Whitewater
Coordinates: 33.912473, -116.666832
Sterling Ruby's SPECTER
Julian Hoeber, Going Nowhere Pavilion #1 and Executed Variant DHS #1 (Q1, CJ, DC), 2019
Eliseo Road, Desert Hot Springs
Coordinates: 33.955493, -116.483245
Julian Hoeber, Going Nowhere Pavilion #1
Kathleen Ryan, Ghost Palm, 2019
Bubbling Wells Road & San Gorgonio Street, Desert Hot Springs
Coordinates: 33.945130, -116.485106
Kathleen Ryan, Ghost Palm
A: Nancy Baker Cahill, Revolutions, 2019
Note: This installation was discontinued due to recent rainstorms until further notice.
North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (facing the wind farm and Mount San Jacinto to the southwest)
Coordinates: 33.88409, -116.546112
Instructions: Download the 4th Wall app, tap the Desert X button, and follow directions. The augmented drawing takes about two minutes to appear.
B: (Salton Sea location – see east valley guide)
Mary Kelly, Peace is the Only Shelter, 2019
A: 333 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs // Coordinates: 33.819063, -116.546868
B: 469-499 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs // Coordinates: 33.816109, -116.545457
C: South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs // Coordinates: 33.816693, -116.545452
Mary Kelly, Peace is the Only Shelter
Cinthia Marcelle, Wormhole, 2019
A: 152 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs // Coordinates: 33.802688, -116.545396
B: 68895 Perez Road, #15, Cathedral City // Coordinates: 33.782359, -116.460422
C: (Indian Wells – east valley guide)
D: (Indio – east valley guide)
E: (Coachella – east valley guide)
F: Calzzapato, Constitucion 720, Co. Zona centro, 22000 Tijuana, BC, Mexico // Coordinates: 32.533412, -117.038226
Cara Romero, Jackrabbit, Cottontail & Spirits of the Desert, 2019
Drive north on Gene Autry Trail between Via Escuela and Interstate 10
Coordinates: 33.853965, -116.506052
Cara Romero, Jackrabbit, Cottontail & Spirits of the Desert
Tips for Your Desert X Tour
Pick up the official Desert X guidebook at these hubs:
Palm Springs: Ace Hotel & Swim Club, 701 E Palm Canyon Dr, room 119
Palm Desert: 73660 El Paseo
Indio: 82713 Miles Ave
For Nancy Baker Cahill's Revolutions, download the 4th Wall app via WiFi (due to its size). Guided bus tours were available Saturdays and Sundays—details at desertx.org.
Check set hours for certain sites. Use GPS coordinates for navigation (search in Google Maps). Follow black-and-white "x" signs if the site isn't obvious.
Top Instagram-Worthy West Valley Installations
1. Kathleen Ryan's Ghost Palm: Swaying translucent fronds perfect for Boomerangs.
2. Julian Hoeber's Going Nowhere Pavilion #1: Winding pink structure ideal for creative shots.
3. Sterling Ruby's SPECTER: Neon orange monolith floating in the desert landscape.
Need a Break? Refreshment Stops
West valley recommendations:
Windmill Market (North Palm Springs): Date shakes and drinks.
Ernest Coffee (Palm Springs): Specialty coffee and tea.
La Bonita's (Palm Springs): Authentic tacos.
Explore the east valley guide next. Enjoy your Desert X art adventure!
