Saturday, May 6

Walk and Talk with Artist Matt Johnson

Artist Matt Johnson and Desert X team members will lead an early morning hike to Sleeping Figure and discuss the installation’s conceptualization, art historical themes, production and more. Botanist Ron Florance will accompany the hike to share fascinating information about desert ecology, geology, and this year’s super bloom.

9:00 – 10:30 am
Matt Johnson, Sleeping Figure
I-10 Exit 110 Haugen-Lehmann Way to Railroad Ave
RSVP

Marina Tabassum and Torkwase Dyson in Conversation: Architectures of Survival and Liberation 

Architect Marina Tabassum will be presenting her film Khudi Bari, commissioned for Desert X 2023. A conversation with Marina Tabassum, artist Torkwase Dyson and Desert X 2023 Co-curator Diana Campbell will follow to discuss how their architectural and spatial practices create geometries of inclusion, shelter and freedom.

2:00 – 3:00 pm
Annenberg Theater
Palm Springs Art Museum
RSVP

Doug Aitken and Neville Wakefield in Conversation: Mirage

This conversation with Doug Aitken and Neville Wakefield will explore the origins of Aitken’s Mirage project (2017 – ongoing), and the continuum between the inaugural Desert X in the Coachella Valley and its newest exhibition. This program is presented in conjunction with the forthcoming release of Aitken’s immersive monograph Mirage, co-published by JRP|Editions and ZOLO PRESS, in collaboration with LUMA for Elevation 1049.

3:30 – 4:30 pm
Annenberg Theater
Palm Springs Art Museum
RSVP

A limited number of copies of the book are available for purchase from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Palm Springs Art Museum bookshop.

Sunday, May 7

Desert X Art Club Exhibition Opening

Join students and teachers from this year’s Desert X Art Club as they celebrate the opening of an exhibition celebrating their creativity and collaboration. Meet young artists and enjoy refreshments and music as students and educators lead tours of the exhibition throughout the afternoon.

12:00 – 3:00 pm
Desert X Art Club Exhibition Opening
College of the Desert
Marks Art Center
43-500 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA
Free parking; park in lots 22 & 25
RSVP

Extended Viewing Hours at The Smallest Sea with the Largest Heart

Enjoy the last evening of Desert X 2023 with extended viewing hours at The Smallest Sea with the Biggest Heart by Lauren Bon and Metabolic Studio. No reservations needed; visitors are admitted on a rolling basis.

5:00 – 8:00 pm
Lauren Bon & Metabolic Studio
The Smallest Sea with the Largest Heart
2249 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
No RSVP Required