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All the United States California Palm Desert Curves and Zigzags
Curves and Zigzags is permanently closed.

This entry remains in the Atlas as a record of its history, but it is no longer accessible to visitors.

Curves and Zigzags

A black and white painted wall creates an optical illusion in the California desert.

Palm Desert, California

Added By
patriciadeperalta
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A close up view of Curves and Zigzags at a sharp angle   patriciadeperalta / Atlas Obscura User
A close up view of Curves and Zigzags at a sharp angle   patriciadeperalta / Atlas Obscura User
Curves and Zigzags at a slight angle from a distance   patriciadeperalta / Atlas Obscura User
Curves and Zigzags sign   patriciadeperalta / Atlas Obscura User
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Located in a seemingly random spot in the Palm Desert is a white wall measuring nearly 100 feet in length.  When viewed from straight on, the black markings that adorn the wall—as well as the wall itself—appear to be perfectly horizontal and flat. Moving over just an inch to the side, however, reveals that this is not the case.

From any other angle than straight on, it becomes clear that the large, white-painted wall curves and bends, and the long black "stripes" that run across it are in fact zig-zags.

The wall, entitled Curves and Zigzags, is the third part in a series of art instillations made by Claudia Comte, a German artist best known for her site-specific, scale and perception oriented work. Comte's intention in the art series is to "examine what happens when two-dimensional painting is superimposed on three dimensional structures."

Curves and Zigzags stands tall in the California desert as a reminder of the contrasts and the harmonies that exist between nature and culture, order and chaos, and geometric versus organic shapes in art.

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Art Deserts

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The exhibit closed on April 30, 2017. It is no longer visible.

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Added By

patriciadeperalta

Edited By

heidisorgenfrei, aribrown

  • heidisorgenfrei
  • aribrown

Published

July 21, 2017

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Curves and Zigzags
72546 Edgehill Dr
Palm Desert, California
United States
33.707503, -116.39793
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Photo of Palm Desert

Palm Desert

California

Places 2

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Smiler's Point

Palm Desert, California

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Palm Desert

Palm Desert

California

Places 2

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