On February 8th, at 4 PM local time in Los Angeles, three artists based in Venice—Corinne Chaix, Charles Christopher Hill, and Catherine Ruane—along with artists from China, Wenlong Ye, Shiqing Li, Jinghan Liu, and Peipei Li, showcased their work at the Intersect Palm Springs Art & Design Fair in Palm Springs. The exhibition featured a wide array of mediums, including charcoal drawings, oil paintings, acrylics, photography, and fiber art installations. Primarily, the fair was represented by local Palm Springs galleries and those from across the United States, with several international galleries also making a significant contribution.
The fair attracted a large number of visitors, many of whom were not local residents but part of a global migratory community that has made Palm Springs their home. This group includes Canadian residents who own winter homes in the area, affectionately known as the “snowbird population,” as well as retirees attracted by the region's advanced healthcare facilities. Thanks to its vibrant urban life and international appeal, Palm Springs experiences a tourism peak in February, bustling with visitors from around the world.
In addition to the Palm Springs fair, Intersect Art and Design organizes an annual art event in Aspen, Colorado. Aspen, a ski resort town with a small population and some of the world's most valued real estate, parallels Palm Springs in its appeal to those seeking seasonal residences for winter vacations. The Aspen art fair mirrors the Palm Springs event's emphasis on quality, showcasing select works in a setting renowned for its luxury and exclusivity.
One of the exhibition's standout pieces was Catherine Ruane’s expansive charcoal drawing installation, "Witness Tree." With meticulous attention to detail, Ruane created lifelike depictions of leaves, branches, and trunks, arranging them on the wall in a way that mirrored the natural growth patterns of trees, achieving a striking life-size portrayal. During a talk at the fair, she recounted her move from Venice Beach to the desert, a transition that deeply influenced her focus on capturing the essence of the local natural landscape in her art. This resonated with many attendees. Additionally, it's noteworthy that two of her Joshua tree charcoal drawings have been selected for exhibition at the Getty Center in Los Angeles this fall.
Shiqing Li, a New York-based fiber artist, also made a profound impact at the fair with "If I were a Hedgehog," the event's only "living" artwork. This interactive piece, with its sound and movement, mesmerized viewers, exploring the concept of 'hedgehog personalities' as a metaphor for self-acceptance and the celebration of individuality. In her artist talk, Li articulated a vision of a world where diversity is embraced and celebrated, likening it to the unconditional acceptance of hedgehogs, free from judgment or rejection. This thought-provoking work is scheduled for display at the San Francisco Art Fair in April, where it will continue to challenge and inspire audiences with its message of inclusivity and appreciation for diversity.
Charles Christopher Hill's artwork profoundly reflects the architectural and cultural ethos of Palm Springs. His geometric compositions, characterized by a minimalist aesthetic in black, white, and red, embody the mid-century modernist principles cherished in the area. This aesthetic philosophy emphasizes high-quality materials, clean lines, and functionality, eschewing elaborate decoration for timeless design. Hill's intricate production techniques further underscore this alignment with Palm Springs’ stylistic heritage.
The Intersect Palm Springs fair, alongside Intersect Aspen and SOFA Chicago, forms a significant trio of cultural events orchestrated annually by Intersect Art and Design. These gatherings are designed to bridge galleries with art enthusiasts and collectors, underlining the pivotal role of art and design at local, regional, and international levels. With a commitment to cultivating communities and forging connections, the Intersect team champions a year-round program of cultural partnerships and curated events. This strategy is aimed at fostering dialogue, interaction, and inspiration, leveraging modern and innovative curation to ignite a dynamic confluence of ideas and creativity.
