Doug Aitken Turns A House Into A Kaleidoscopic Wonder In The Californian Desert

American artist Doug Aitken has transformed a suburban, ranch-like house into a reflective mirage as part of the first new site-specific exhibition, Desert X.

Desert X installation view of Doug Aitken, MIRAGE. 2017

Known for his sculptures, films, installations and architectural interventions that explore the flux of daily contemporary life, Aitken transforms aspects of the everyday into something fantastical and awe-inspiring. Suddenly, the things we take for granted can be seen in a new way, changing our experience of the mundane and giving new purpose to the often overlooked.
As part of Desert X, curated by Neville Wakefield, Doug Aitken has created MIRAGE, a mirrored structure situated in the Southern Californian desert. Inspired by architecture synonymous with the West, Aitken has given the Californian ranch style home a reflective makeover.

The popularity of ranch style houses grew after World War II. In part informed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s belief that architecture should ‘be both in and of the landscape’, commercial builders soon developed an efficient assembly design so that the one-storey homes could match the rapid growth of the suburbs.

Relieving the building of its original intention, Aitken creates a space that directly responds to its environment, while at the same time creating a spot for contemplation and intellectual reflection.

Similar to his recent project Underwater Pavilions, installed off the coast of Santa Catalina Island, California, MIRAGE reacts to the rugged San Jacinto mountain range. The mirrored surfaces create endless and ever-changing views of the desertscape, so no one visit will ever be the same.

Desert X, a new multi-venue, site-specific exhibition, has invited international artists to respond to the unique conditions of Palm Springs. Engaging the surrounding community, works explore environmental, social and cultural themes specific to the Coachella Valley.

Doug Aitken: MIRAGE in Palm Springs, California is currently closed. Check the website for updates on when the work will reopen to the public free of charge.

Want to see more inspiring art? Check out Arnaud Lapierres Reflective Sculpture in Shanghai

About the author

Freire Barnes

Art & Design Editor

Born in the heart of London, Freire's been surrounded by art since childhood. From being mesmerised by Fra Angelico's frescos in Florence to experiencing Dali's Mae West room in Caduceus, Freire's extensive travels instilled a love of the arts. After studying painting she worked for David Bowie's, Bowieart and began to write for the BBC, Bon and Dazed &amp Confused. She curated the Converse x Dazed Emerging Artists Award and was one of the first cohort to graduate from the Royal College of Art's Critical Writing in Art &amp Design MA. When not at an art opening, she's excited to bring her global art discoveries to the Culture Trip's readers.