In a groundbreaking fusion of art and nature, Wadi AlFann is set to showcase the mesmerizing work of James Turrell, a pioneer in the Light and Space art movement. This extraordinary exhibition promises to immerse visitors in a world where light becomes tangible and perception is challenged.
Curated by Michael Govan, CEO of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the exhibition offers an unparalleled journey through Turrell’s artistic legacy. Visitors will encounter a selection of the artist’s most captivating light installations, each a testament to his mastery of manipulating light and space.
At the heart of the exhibition lies a preview of Turrell’s ambitious Wadi AlFann commission. Through detailed renders, plans, and a constellation map, attendees will glimpse the artist’s vision for a monumental sequence of chambers within the canyon floor. This forthcoming installation promises to be a sensorial marvel, inviting explorers to navigate through tunnels and stairs, experiencing the “thingness of light” in dialogue with the natural landscape.
The exhibition features four remarkable works that showcase Turrell’s evolution as an artist. “Alta” (1968), one of his earliest pieces, transforms a dim corner into a luminous pyramid of pink-violet light, creating an illusion of solid planes. In stark contrast, “Jubilee, Circular Glass” (2021) presents a hypnotic display of mutating colors on a circular glass screen, seamlessly transitioning from dazzling crimson to icy blue.
Visitors will also encounter a piece from Turrell’s Magnatron series, evoking nostalgic memories of flickering television lights glimpsed through neighboring windows. Additionally, a work from his Hologram series will be on display, revealing a luminous geometric shape that appears to float in space, challenging our perceptions of reality.
This exhibition is more than a showcase of art; it’s a prelude to the ambitious Wadi AlFann project, which aims to transform AlUla into a global cultural destination. Turrell joins a prestigious group of international artists, including Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, and Ahmed Mater, who are creating monumental, site-specific works in this extraordinary desert landscape.
Set against the backdrop of AlUla’s ancient city, the exhibition is part of the larger AlUla Arts Festival, offering visitors an immersive journey through art, design, and creative workshops. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the intersection of contemporary art and timeless landscape, where light becomes a medium for exploring the very nature of perception.
The James Turrell exhibition at Wadi AlFann will run from 16 January until 19 April 2025, inviting art enthusiasts and curious minds alike to experience the transformative power of light and space in the heart of AlUla.
