thinking about snacks.

photo, J. Otley

The Desert X 2019 modern art exhibit runs through April 27th and features large installments displayed directly on the cacti-adorned desert floor of Coachella Valley, California. My very artsy friend told me about Desert X. Even though I’m not a mod art fanatic, it’s hard to resist a spontaneous desert day-trip.

We visited the two closest art pieces, both located off El Paso Road in Palm Desert. The first piece was Western Flag by Jon Gerrard. The live-feed video plays on a massive screen, standing about 25-feet tall. While less impressive in person, the piece offered thought-provoking content. The pole spews black smoke in the shape a flag, aiming to increase consciousness about the cost of exploiting resources and desolating nature. Western Flag serves as an homage to Spindletop, Texas–it was once an abundant seafloor before it became the world’s first major oil discovery. Gerrard’s Western Flag constantly plays live footage from Spindletop, which is now exasperated land.

1901 / 118 years later

photos, F. Truong



We moseyed on to see Sterling Ruby’s structure, SPECTOR. It’s a short drive to parking for Ruby’s installment, which can be easily spotted from the road. This massive, neon-orange rectangular prism sits picturesquely in the middle of the Palm Desert landscape, just like the rest of the Desert X art pieces. Unfortunately, SPECTOR didn’t personally evoke significant feelings or thoughts. The most interesting aspect of the piece is its obscureness and bright contrast of unnatural color against the sky and sandy floor.

mod art + mountains

photos, J. Otley



Misty mountains casted shadows on my right and snow-capped peaks faded in and out of the fast-moving clouds. The wind was comedically violent at times, kicking up waves of dust and making my loose, swishy pants dance crazily in the gust. We took photos on film and cracked up at how insane the wind was. There was dirt in my face, sand in my socks and a sting in my wind-dried eyes by the time we left. But, I felt content. I might never understand modern art, but the magic of the desert is something which needs no explanation.