Agnes Denes’ The Living Pyramid to Premiere at Desert X 2025 in Coachella Valley

Desert X, the acclaimed international site-specific art exhibition, just announced the debut of The Living Pyramid, a monumental sculpture and environmental intervention by pioneering artist and philosopher Agnes Denes. The work, now on view at Sunnylands Center & Gardens, marks the first in a series of outdoor commissions for the fifth edition of Desert X, running from March 8 to May 11, 2025. Admission to the exhibition is free and open to the public.

“The Living Pyramid embodies Agnes Denes’ groundbreaking contributions to environmental art, blending ancient architectural principles with the transformative cycles of nature,” said Neville Wakefield, Desert X Artistic Director. “This iconic work resonates with the interconnectedness of life, death, and renewal, while engaging with the history and ecology of the desert.”

Agnes Denes, a seminal figure in conceptual and environmental art, first introduced The Living Pyramid in 2015. This latest iteration—the first set in a desert environment—is a striking fusion of human ingenuity and natural processes. Constructed with native vegetation, the pyramid’s dynamic structure will evolve over six months, as plants bloom, seed, and wither, reflecting the slow rhythms of the desert landscape. Denes describes her pyramids as “visual philosophies,” addressing ecological, social, and cultural issues while offering solutions for humanity’s challenges.

“While pyramids are rooted in mathematical precision, they also encapsulate imperfections, representing the complexities they seek to explore and transform,” said Denes. “This desert version embodies not just the planting of seeds but planting ideas within human consciousness.”

The pyramid also draws inspiration from its location at Sunnylands, famously dubbed the “Camp David of the West,” where global leaders convene to address issues of peace and sustainability. Its hierarchical form mirrors these ambitions while inviting local communities to engage in its ongoing care, fostering dialogue about conservation and shared stewardship.