'Indian Land' Sculpture Off I-10 In Palm Springs Part Of Desert X

PALM SPRINGS, CA — An artwork being installed along the south side of Interstate 10, near the Palm Springs Visitors Center, has piqued the interest of motorists and locals alike. So far, the sculpture appears to spell out "Indian Land," although there may be more to come.

The unfinished work by artist Nicholas Galanin is titled "Never Forget" and is part of the Coachella Valley Desert X exhibition that opens to the public March 12, according to event organizers.

Galanin's artwork is inspired by generations of Tlingit and Unangax̂ indigenous peoples of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest — from which he hails.

"My process of creation is a constant pursuit of freedom and vision for the present and future. Using Indigenous and non-Indigenous technologies and materials I resist romanticization, categorization and limitation. I use my work to explore adaptation, resilience, survival, active cultural amnesia, dream, memory, cultural resurgence, connection to and disconnection from the land," Galanin explains on his website.

The Coachella Valley is home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

For those new to Desert X, the free art exhibition showcases dozens of works across the Coachella Valley as part of a self-guided outdoor experience where visitors determine the start and endpoint of their journeys.

The location of all art installations will be revealed March 12. Visitors will be able to get directions and addresses to the pieces on the Desert X website or by downloading the event's mobile app — available March 12.

For more information, click here.