A Trio of Immersive Artworks at Coachella 2024

Coachella firist got our attention five years ago, when architect Francis Kéré designed Sarbalé Ke, an installation made of twelve colorful, patterned towers, some reaching heights over 60 feet. Then in 2022, after two years of cancellations due to the pandemic, the standout art installation was The Playground, a fittingly titled construction by Architensions. 

Curated by Public Art Company with Coachella art director Paul Clemente, this year's art program is being billed as the most ambitious in Coachella's history, anchored by a trio of immersive and interactive art installations spanning the expanse of the polo field at Empire Polo Club: “Monarchs: A House in Six Parts” by HANNAH, “Dancing in the Sky” by Morag Myerscough, and “Babylon” by Nebbia. The trio of artworks aim to “showcases the synergy between art, technology, and community” and “[offer] new spaces for connection, reflection, and community.” They are presented below in words and images courtesy of Coachella.

Monarchs: A House in Six Parts by HANNAH explores the fusion of 3-D printing with traditional craftsmanship, presenting a series of pavilions that invite interaction and contemplation. This installation, a collaboration between Cornell University professors Leslie Lok and Sasa Zivkovic, reimagines architectural design through the lens of digital fabrication and natural inspiration.

Dancing in the Sky by Morag Myerscough celebrates the joy of collective experience with a vibrant, geometric plaza that draws the eye upwards to the beauty of the desert sky. Known for her bold, colorful works, Myerscough creates a dynamic environment that encourages exploration and engagement, making every visitor a part of the art.

Babylon by Nebbia offers a study in contrasts, blending ancient architectural forms with futuristic design elements. The work of London-based architects Brando Posocco and Madhav Kidao, Babylon is a monumental structure that serves as both a visual landmark and a sanctuary of shade and light, inviting festival-goers to lose themselves in its intricate, otherworldly beauty.