Lost in Palm Springs

Overview

What's better than one glorious art exhibition bringing a slice of America to Queensland? Two, obviously, and all in the same gallery. The Gold Coast's HOTA, Home of the Arts is currently filled with pop art from New York, but that's not the only way that the six-level venue is giving its heart — and walls and halls — to the US of A right now. From Saturday, March 11–Sunday, May 21, Lost in Palm Springs has another location firmly in its sights.

This free showcase takes inspiration from the titular Californian spot's art, architecture and design — and yes, it's a case of a sunny Aussie city paying tribute to another radiant destination on the other side of the globe. Lost in Palm Springs has tasked 14 artists, photographers and thinkers from both countries to reflect upon and respond to Palm Springs' desert landscape. Doing the honours: talents such as Kate Ballis, Tom Blachford, Paul Davies, Rosi Griffin, Anna Carey and Robyn Sweaney.

Unsurprisingly, the idea for the exhibition was first sparked by trips to the US, with Dr Greer Honeywill undertaking three artist research residencies in 2017, 2018 and 2019 in exactly the place expected. But the end result also examines the ties between Palm Springs and Australia, especially via mid-century modern architecture.

Feel like watching the Andy Samberg-starring movie Palm Springs right now for obvious reasons? Whether you start streaming ASAP or save it for when you get home from peering at this exhibition, that's perfectly understandable.