Historical guide: These photographs document Desert X 2019, which ran from February 9 to April 21, 2019. The exhibition has ended. Do not assume the installations pictured here are still accessible; consult Desert X’s current map and exhibition information before making a trip.
Palm Springs was the second place that Brandon and I ever travelled to - just a couple of days after our first-ever road trip to Big Sur - and probably the place we return to the most. Every couple of months we find our way back down to the desert, whether it be in the wild summer heat, or for the Queen of Festivals.
We made the trip in 2017 for the inaugural Desert X and loved playing with the angles and reflections in the installations, so when the festival finally returned in 2019 with all new works, we knew we had to come down ASAP - not to mention that we've been in the middle of one of the coldest ever winters in Los Angeles and we were getting desperate for some proper sun. Read on for my breakdown of the 5 best stops to see, explore, and photograph.
1. Starting Point - The Ace Hotel, Palm Springs
The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs was our starting point for the 2019 exhibition, where we picked up an event booklet and stopped at the diner. The reception lounge, ubiquitous ACE sign, and hotel grounds are all incredibly photogenic, and a great place to start your Desert X Journey.
Where To Stay Nearby: Ace Hotel & Swim Club - Stay at our Palm Springs starting point for its desert style, pool, and access to the city’s restaurants.
2. Sterling Ruby - Specter, Whitewater
Quite possibly the most popular installation of the year, this brilliant orange cube in the middle of a desert landscape is a showstopper - and looks incredible in so many different ways. Up close as a sleek, vibrant background, in a wide shot contrasting with the empty sand and mountains, or from above with a drone. Just watch out for sandstorms - this is along the wind alley West of Palm Springs and the wind can get super strong here.
3. Superflex - Dive In, Palm Desert
My favorite installation of the year! Dive In has so many angles and corners to play with - plus how can you ever go wrong with hot pink?
What To Do Nearby: San Andreas Fault open-air Jeep tour - Explore the Coachella Valley’s desert geology on a guided Jeep outing departing from Indio, separate from the past art exhibition.
4. John Gerrard - Western Flag, Palm Springs
My one regret in our weekend in the desert was not coming to Western Flag at sunset or dusk, where the glowing movie screen contrasts with the desert so ethereally.
5. Pia Camil - Lover's Rainbow, Rancho Mirage
I vote Lover's Rainbow as "most likely to have to photoshop out other people" across all of the installations - we had a hard time getting shots here without a lot of other people around, but it was worth it. I would come early in the morning if you could.
Get Inspired:
Wild desert Thunderstorms ahead.
All of the angles at Dive In.
Have you ever met a rainbow you didn't love?
It's not Palm Springs without a stop at the Ace.
Come for the Desert X information, stay for the photo opp.
Lazy mornings & Pool Parties at the Ace Hotel
