Story perspectives

Coachella's 'Network Operations' Exhibit Returns with Hippo Metaphor

4/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Coachella festival showcased the installation 'Network Operations' by Dedo Vabo, featuring hippos in suits as a chaotic communications conglomerate.
The exhibit returns after a hiatus since 2019 and blends dark humor with societal critique.
Vanessa Bonet oversees the installation and notes challenges of managing hippos in a confined space.
Derek Doublin describes the hippos as a metaphor for powerful yet clueless corporations.
The installation began in 2008.

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Story summary

The Coachella festival showcased the installation 'Network Operations' by Dedo Vabo, featuring hippos in suits as a chaotic communications conglomerate.
The exhibit returns after a hiatus since 2019 and blends dark humor with societal critique.
Vanessa Bonet oversees the installation and notes challenges of managing hippos in a confined space.
Derek Doublin describes the hippos as a metaphor for powerful yet clueless corporations.
The installation began in 2008.