Susan Davis / Desert X

Susan Davis is the Founder & President of DESERT X,  a site-specific, contemporary art exhibition that is held in the Coachella Valley of Southern California every two years. 

Since 2017, DESERT X has pushed the boundaries of art beyond the gallery walls to present work that engages with the public in desert environments, through unique installations created by acclaimed artists from around the world.

While responding to and amplifying the dramatic range of land and seascapes within  the desert environment, Desert X is also a visual articulation of the critical issues facing our world today -- including conservation, climate change, segregation, false historical narratives,  and indigenous land rights.

Since 2020, Susan Davis has expanded Desert X beyond California – producing two biennial exhibitions in the striking landscapes of the AlUla region of Saudi Arabia.  With Desert X returning in 2023, we spoke with Susan about the process of creating a site specific endeavor of this enormous scale,  the responsibility of art to spark crucial dialogue  and why she always welcomes a little controversy. 

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