Whitewater Preserve, Palm Springs, CA
February 25 – April 30
Desert X Biennial 2017
One I Call // Desert X 2017
One I Call is a site-specific sculpture commissioned for the inaugural iteration of the Desert X Biennial, Palm Springs. The work reflects on the complex web of narratives surrounding deserts and desert communities. The piece is modeled after traditional pigeon towers found throughout the desert villages of Egypt. The practice of homing pigeons spans multiple traditions, illustrating a narrative of migration across space and time. The piece stands at once as a beacon, a sanctuary and a memorial for the people and communities of the desert who's histories are often dismissed or marginalized. The piece addresses concerns of cultural agency, environmental protection and displacement at stake in the Coachella Valley and many similar desert communities across the world.
Thank you to the many collaborators that made this project happen: Bob Dornberger, WHY Architecture, Hooman Fazly, Earth Architect; Don Worley, Lead Earth Builder; Aker + Nisu, Nathan Wright, Tracy Polkownikow, Wade Lucas, earth builders. The Wildlands Conservancy, Jack Thompson, Regional Director; Kyle Christensen, Jose Cortez, Tori Stanton; the Desert X Production Team and the many volunteers . . .
Photo Credit: Panic Studio L.A.
One I Call, 2017. Installation view. Photo Credit: Panic Studio L.A.
One I Call, 2017 (detail). Photo Credit: Panic Studio L.A.
One I Call, 2017. Installation view. Photo Credit: Panic Studio L.A.
One I Call, 2017. Photo Credit: Panic Studio L.A.
One I Call, 2017. Photo Credit: Panic Studio L.A.
One I Call, 2017. Installation view. Photo Credit: Panic Studio L.A.