The Best Things in Desert X ….

…..are not in it.

Here’s a thought I heard expressed that made me start thinking. At this writing, the second Desert X has just opened, releasing us from the anticipation the organizers have orchestrated. Already complaints have been raised about the invasiveness of pieces to the point of one being pulled out of the lineup close to the last minute in a controversial decision about its effect on wildlife.

All the pieces will be big hits on the creators’ resumes but only time and the audience will tell which speak most profoundly to the nomadic audience. I’m thinking the question “What is art?” will be a common topic of conversation along with “What is the role of art in our society?” and “What is the focus of Desert X?”.  I’m betting the answers will vary depending on if you are a resident or a visitor to the Coachella Valley to participate in this event.

Beyond the obvious economic boost provided to the valley and an effort to make art participatory, Desert X also attempts to make the desert landscape and ecological issues a part of the experience. Making the desert a canvas on which artists can play is sure to raise the ire of any dedicated desert rat. They are a prickly sort that vehemently argue for the desert’s fragility and revel in its viciousness. Seeing it civilized by a mob of selfie, app-obsessed tourists flown in for a romp around the ancient lake bed is an affront taken personally. For the visitors, it’s a treasure hunt excursion through apparently monotonous scrub in search of a thrill or a meaningful encounter while enjoying the world renowned resort facilities beneath towering mountains.

No matter your viewpoint, the desert and the local artists are the unofficial stars on this stage. The steady soaking winter rains we have had promise a super wildflower display that should outdo any of the manmade pieces on the menu. Similarly, our local artists have been working steadily for years having come here to feed their creative muses on desert space and extremes. Some have been working on specific projects through the winter in preparation for the festival of art seekers Desert X is promising.

Living in the desert reframes a person’s perspectives as can be seen in the exploration of light and color by Ryan Campbell’s work, the time and space alterations in Jeff Frost’s California on Fire audiovisual work, the light playing celebration in Philip K Smith III’s reflective installations, and the expanding dimension fields of Maggie Lowe Tenneson’s glowing meditative paintings. This is just to name a few of my favorites! The desert seems to foster creativity and encourage all its devotees to express their essential selves against its backdrop.

The desert can produce the most extravagant wildflower displays along with wicked sandblasting winds that make the palm trees bend and whistle and all life to burrow down deep. You know you are a desert creature when you realize you are always playing with a tiger’s tail; never knowing when the beautiful thing will awaken to eat you. Its seductive quiet and beauty can lure you deep into its expanse before you realize you are lost to familiar territory. This can be frightening or thrilling or revelatory depending on your readiness. If you tarry long here you learn that while the marks you make on this seemingly endless landscape are nearly indelible; so too are its marks on you.

If Desert X can raise awareness of this razor edge separating delicate beauty and fierce hostility and allow the desert to work its magic in unleashing creative energies then it will have pointed to the best of the event.