DESERT X
CECILIA BENGOLEA creates a mythical image rising out of the Salton Sea. “Bengolea’s performance piece, Mosquito Net, is not a quest for the universal beauty of nature, but a display of social street dance to invoke the spirit of animals and nature. “ There is something joyous and wonderful about seeing this in the Salton Sea, where the ever present stench of dead fish can be overwhelming.
2019 · WESTERN FLAG (SPINDLETOP, TEXAS) 2017 AT DESERT X / COACHELLA VALLEY, CA, USA
@ Lance Gerber
Western Flag illustrates the site of the 'Lucas Gusher' which was the world's first major oil discovery, in Spindletop, Texas, 1901 and now dried up and empty. JOHN GERRARD makes a powerful statement about the poisoning of our planet and the flag depicts a universal flag, we are all responsible. Unfortunately this installation is no longer on view at Desert X. But you can see the power of this installation from the film created by the artist here.
This is just a taste of Desert X. Go if you can. It’s worth the drive.