Desert X 2025

By Deiter Crawford

Nestled in the heart of Palm Springs’ historic Black neighborhood, Desert Highland Gateway Estates, Sanford Biggers’ Unsui (Mirror) stands as a beacon of resilience, transformation, and cultural remembrance. This striking Desert X 2025 installation rises over 30 feet at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, commanding attention with its towering, sequin-covered clouds that shimmer under the desert sun.

A Vision of Movement and Transformation
Biggers, a renowned contemporary artist known for weaving history, spirituality, and social commentary into his work, drew inspiration from the Buddhist concept of unsui—meaning "clouds and water." This philosophy embodies both change and continuity, mirroring the ever-shifting nature of identity, history, and time. As the wind and light interact with Unsui (Mirror), the artwork takes on a life of its own, evoking a sense of freedom, movement, and boundless possibility.

Honoring a Community’s Legacy
Beyond its poetic brilliance, the placement of Unsui (Mirror) in Desert Highland carries profound significance. This neighborhood, shaped by decades of Black history, resilience, and activism, serves as the perfect backdrop for an artwork that symbolizes both struggle and hope. Desert Highland Gateway Estates, a historically Black community in Palm Springs, has long been a site of both systemic challenges and unwavering perseverance. The installation stands not just as an artistic statement, but as a reflection—literally and figuratively—of the strength of this community.

“This is my favorite piece of Desert X so far,” commented one visitor. “It feels powerful and deeply connected to the space it occupies.”

Biggers’ work is known for its ability to bridge past and present, inviting viewers to engage in deeper conversations about history, culture, and healing. In Unsui (Mirror), we see the intersection of art and activism—an acknowledgment of a community’s journey and a celebration of its future.

A Must-See at Desert X 2025
Desert X has a history of using the Coachella Valley landscape as a canvas for thought-provoking public art, and Unsui (Mirror) stands out as one of this year’s most poignant installations. As visitors explore the exhibition, this piece reminds us of the transformative power of art—its ability to shine light on histories often overlooked and to inspire hope for what’s to come.

For those looking to experience Unsui (Mirror) in person, be sure to visit the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center before Desert X concludes. Let the shimmering clouds guide you into a deeper reflection on movement, resilience, and the boundless beauty of possibility.

Urban Palm Springs is dedicated to uplifting Black history, culture, and community initiatives in Palm Springs. Stay connected for more stories on art, heritage, and progress in the Coachella Valley.