American artist James Turrell has unveiled plans for an expansive installation connected by a series of tunnels and staircases in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla desert.
Defined by a series of interconnected “chambers” nestled into the landscape, the artwork will form the first of five initial projects to be completed by global artists for the Wadi AlFann cultural venue, which is set to open in 2026.
The designs were unveiled at the Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell exhibition, which opened in Saudi Arabia’s desert region last week as part of the AlUla Arts Festival 2025.
Curated by Michael Govan, the on-going exhibition forms part of the centre’s pre-opening programme, which spotlights the artists behind the commissions. Other artists set to create work for the destination include Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer and Ahmed Mater.
Renders of the interiors by Turrell reveal bright, dome-like structures illuminated by oculus openings and wrapped with built-in seating space for visitors. The project is the latest in a series of Skyspace installations created by the artist.
A circular motif runs through the design, with rounded walkways, seating and openings used throughout.
“The work envisioned for Wadi AlFann will have two large Skyspaces and two small Skyspaces, that each address different aspects of sky,” Turrell said.
“All of my Skyspaces engage the natural light of the area,” he added. “The light quality in AlUla is of dry desert air with little moisture, which yields a light in the sky that is crisp and clear.”
The artwork will be an interactive experience for visitors.
“Visitors can view plans for Turrell’s upcoming Wadi AlFann commission where he is creating a monumental sequence of chambers within the canyon floor which will generate a sensorial experience of space, colour, and perception,” Wadi AlFann said.
“Experiencing the ‘thingness of light’ as well as elements of sky and terrain, the viewer will explore these spaces via a series of tunnels and stairs.”
“The large-scale commission will examine the very nature of seeing and offer a profound opportunity to experience art in dialogue with nature.”
Also included in the exhibition are light installations and highlights from the Royal Commission for AlUla’s contemporary art collection, which includes the Jubilee, Circular Glass artwork created by Turrell in 2021.
Work from Turrell’s Hologram series will also be shown, including “a luminous geometric shape floating in space”.
The exhibition is taking place across two venues in AlJadidah Arts District: the historic old town of AlUla and the AlUla Arts Festival, which will run till February 22.
Other recent developments in AlUla include a trio of lookout points held in tents informed by those of the nomadic Bedouin people and the opening of the Design Space AlUla gallery, which is held in a Corten steel-latticed building.
The images are courtesy of James Turrell Studio and Royal Commission for AlUla.
Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell runs from 16 January 2025 to 22 February 2025 at the AlUla Arts Festival. See Dezeen Events Guide for more architecture and design events around the world.
