‘Wadi AlFann Presents james Turrell’ Kicks Off AlUla Arts Festival
Renowned artist James Turrell has brought his groundbreaking sensorial artworks to the historic old town of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, as part of the exhibition ‘Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell’. This showcase serves as a prelude to his upcoming Land Art commission for Wadi AlFann, an open-air museum known as the ‘Valley of the Arts’. The exhibition not only celebrates Turrell’s legacy as a pioneer of the Light and Space movement but also offers a first look at his colossal installation set to transform the desert landscape over the next four years.
Turrell’s untitled work will harness the dramatic natural beauty of AlUla, using its purity of light as a muse. The installation will delve into the phenomena of colour, space, and perception, creating an ethereal space for optical and cosmic encounters. Beyond its artistic allure, the site will function as a permanent museum, housing many of Turrell’s critically important works.
Visitors will navigate a labyrinth of vast pathways, tunnels, chambers, and staircases carved into the canyon floor. This journey through lightness and darkness offers a singular,sensorial experience of the land and sky.Iwona Blazwick, Lead Curator of Wadi AlFann, describes the outdoor subterranean oculi, known as Skyspaces, as ‘cosmic observatories’ that dissolve horizons and challenge perceptions of celestial light. These circular spaces frame the shifting hues of the sky, while the Sun/Moon Chamber connects the earth and cosmos through what Turrell calls a ‘lensless telescope’.
Above ground, the site expands into a planetary diagram etched into the earth, surrounded by sandstone mountains and crowned by an obelisk that marks the sun’s passage like a sundial. This surreal experience embodies Turrell’s ideology of the ‘thingness of light’, where light itself becomes the revelation.
The exhibition also features some of Turrell’s most influential light sculptures, kicking off the AlUla Arts Festival, which runs from January 16 to february 22. ‘Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell’ will remain on view at the AlJadidah arts District until April 19.
Inside the Upcoming Colossal Land Art
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Turrell’s work for Wadi AlFann builds upon his decades-long project at Roden Crater, where he has been reshaping an extinct volcano in the Arizona desert with light. This new manifestation in AlUla will reactivate the desert wilderness as an immersive ‘naked-eye observatory’ of light and space.
The installation will feature two large and two small Skyspaces, inviting visitors to journey deep into the earth and experience the interplay of light and landscape in unprecedented ways.
| Key Highlights of ‘Wadi AlFann Presents James Turrell’ |
|————————————————————-|
| Location | AlJadidah Arts District, AlUla, Saudi Arabia |
| Exhibition Dates | January 16, 2025 – April 19, 2025 |
| Land Art Completion | Within the next four years |
| Features | Skyspaces, Sun/Moon Chamber, planetary diagram |
| Festival Dates | January 16, 2025 – February 22, 2025 |
This exhibition marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of art, nature, and perception, solidifying Turrell’s status as a visionary artist. Don’t miss the chance to witness this transformative experience in the heart of AlUla.James Turrell Unveils Plans for colossal ‘Cosmic Observatories’ in AlUla’s Ancient Desert
Renowned American artist James Turrell has revealed his enterprising plans for a monumental land art installation in Wadi AlFann, AlUla’s ancient desert. The project, described as a series of “cosmic observatories,” promises to transform the desert landscape into a sensory journey through light, color, and celestial phenomena.
Turrell’s installation will feature hundreds of meters of tunnels carved into the mountain, leading visitors to a central plaza and Skyspaces that harness natural light to reveal rarely visible astronomical events.“All of my Skyspaces engage the natural light of the area.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,” says Turrell.
The experience includes an obelisk surrounded by a constellation map that “lays out the stars and celestial bodies above us, showing their exact positions in orbit using LEDs that highlight their paths,” according to the curatorial team. During the winter solstice, sunlight will be projected onto a white marble surface, revealing the sun’s spots, flares, and the moon’s craters. “The artist is trying to connect us to these celestial bodies, bringing them into our lived-in space,” they explain.The installation also features two underground chambers offering contrasting experiences. The Ganzfeld chamber immerses visitors in pure,colored light,dissolving walls to create a dimensionless void. In contrast, the Wedgework chamber uses precise planes of light to produce luminous forms that evoke “a light that looks like the light you see in your dream,” as Turrell describes.
A Survey of Turrell’s Mastery of Light, Color, and Perception
Alongside the renders and a short film outlining his plans, an exhibition showcases Turrell’s earliest and most recent works, highlighting his mastery of light as a medium for shaping sensory experiences. His 1968 cross-corner projection work, Alta, sculpts a translucent pyramid of light into darkness, exemplifying his ability to manipulate immaterial elements.
Michael Govan, Guest Curator of the exhibition, describes the cosmic observatories as “apertures in the ceiling that allow us to measure the movement of the sky and earth in time with our eyes.” This immersive approach invites visitors to engage with the natural world in profound and unexpected ways.
Key Features of Turrell’s Wadi AlFann Installation
| Feature | Description |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Tunnels | Hundreds of meters carved into the mountain, leading to celestial experiences. |
| Obelisk | surrounded by a constellation map highlighting celestial bodies’ paths. |
| Skyspaces | Use natural light to reveal astronomical phenomena. |
| Ganzfeld Chamber | Immerses visitors in pure, colored light, creating a dimensionless void.|
| Wedgework Chamber | Uses precise planes of light to produce luminous, dreamlike forms. |
Turrell’s installation in Wadi AlFann is set to become a landmark in land art, blending ancient desert landscapes with cutting-edge sensory experiences. As the project unfolds,it promises to redefine how we perceive and interact with the natural world.
For more updates on James Turrell’s groundbreaking work, visit designboom.What celestial phenomena are you most excited to experience in Turrell’s cosmic observatories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!James Turrell Unveils Colossal ‘Cosmic Observatories’ in AlUla’s Ancient Desert
Renowned artist James Turrell is set to transform the ancient desert of AlUla, Saudi arabia, with his latest land art project: a series of colossal subterranean oculi known as Skyspaces. These ‘cosmic observatories’ will frame the ever-shifting hues of the sky, offering visitors a profound sensory experience that blurs the line between art and nature.
Turrell’s untitled work builds upon his decades-long exploration of color, space, and perception. The Skyspaces, designed as underground chambers with open apertures to the sky, will act as portals to an alternate reality, immersing viewers in the dynamic interplay of light and atmosphere. As Guest Curator Michael Govan explains, “The vibrant reds and blues we observe are not solely present in the light projected but are partially constructed in our minds.”
This project echoes Turrell’s earlier installations, such as Jubilee, where hypnotic discs of light transition seamlessly from crimson to icy blue hues.The artist’s mastery of optical illusions is further showcased in his Hologram series, where slender shards of light appear to float uncontained within the picture plane.
The Skyspaces in AlUla’s Wadi AlFann will serve as a testament to Turrell’s belief that the sky’s color is not fixed but ‘awarded’ through our perception. By framing the celestial canvas, these structures invite visitors to engage with the natural world in a deeply personal and transformative way.
Key Features of Turrell’s AlUla Project
| Feature | Description |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Location | Wadi AlFann, AlUla, Saudi Arabia |
| Art Form | Subterranean oculi (Skyspaces) |
| Concept | Framing the shifting hues of the sky |
| Inspiration | Turrell’s investigations into color, space, and perception |
| Experience | Immersive sensory journey through light and atmosphere |
Turrell’s work in AlUla is part of a broader initiative to establish the region as a global hub for art and culture. The project promises to draw art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, offering a unique opportunity to witness the convergence of ancient landscapes and contemporary art.
As the artist continues to push the boundaries of perception, his Skyspaces in AlUla stand as a testament to the enduring power of art to transform our understanding of the world around us.
Explore more about James Turrell’s groundbreaking projects and plan your visit to AlUla to experience this unusual fusion of art and nature firsthand.Renowned artist James Turrell has unveiled ambitious plans to create a series of colossal cosmic observatories in the ancient desert of AlUla,saudi Arabia. This groundbreaking project, set to transform the landscape of Wadi AlFann, will feature vast pathways, tunnels, chambers, and staircases carved directly into the canyon floor. Turrell’s vision is to craft a space that serves as a portal to an alternate reality through light, blending art, architecture, and nature in a way that challenges perception and invites contemplation.
The project, described as a fusion of land art and celestial exploration, will immerse visitors in an otherworldly experience. By manipulating light and space, Turrell aims to create an surroundings that feels both ancient and futuristic. The cosmic observatories will not only be a testament to human creativity but also a homage to the natural beauty of AlUla’s desert landscape.
Turrell’s work has long been celebrated for its ability to transform how we perceive light and space. This new endeavor in AlUla is no exception. The artist’s signature style of using light as a medium will be on full display, with the observatories designed to interact with the sun, moon, and stars. Visitors will be able to witness the changing hues of the sky and the interplay of light and shadow, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving experience.
The project is part of a broader initiative to establish AlUla as a global hub for art and culture. By integrating Turrell’s cosmic observatories into the region’s rich ancient and natural heritage, AlUla is poised to become a destination for art enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The observatories will not only attract visitors but also inspire a deeper connection to the environment and the cosmos.Here’s a summary of the key details about the project:
| Feature | Description |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Location | Wadi AlFann,AlUla,Saudi Arabia |
| artist | James Turrell |
| Key Elements | Pathways,tunnels,chambers,staircases carved into the canyon floor |
| Concept | Portal to an alternate reality through light |
| Purpose | Blend of art,architecture,and nature; celestial exploration |
| Cultural Impact | Enhances AlUla’s status as a global art and culture destination |
Turrell’s cosmic observatories are set to redefine the boundaries of land art,offering a unique experience that merges the ancient with the futuristic. As the project takes shape, it promises to become a landmark not just for AlUla, but for the world of contemporary art. Visitors will have the opportunity to step into a space where light, time, and perception converge, creating a moment of profound connection with the universe.For those eager to explore more about James Turrell’s work and the cultural importance of AlUla, this project is a must-see. It’s a testament to the power of art to transform landscapes and inspire wonder.
To fully understand and appreciate James TurrellS cosmic observatories in AlUla, you might want to experience and explore the different elements he has incorporated into the site. Here’s a list of celestial phenomena and sensory experiences that you could possibly encounter:
- Daylight and Changing Sky: The Skyspaces are designed to frame the ever-shifting hues of the sky. By visiting at different times of the day,you can witness the change of colors as the sun moves across the sky,highlighting the dynamic interplay between light and atmosphere.
- starlit Nights: AlUla’s remote desert location offers excellent conditions for stargazing. At night, the tunnels and chambers will act as darkened observatories, allowing visitors to marvel at the vast expanse of the night sky filled with stars, constellations, and planets.
- Solar and Lunar Phenomena: Turrell’s observatories are likely to incorporate designs that allow for the observation of solar and lunar events, such as sunrises, sunsets, eclipses, and harvest moons. These phenomena can create striking visual experiences within the Skyspaces.
- Artificial Light Sculptures: Turrell is known for his mastery of light and color. Expect to encounter carefully crafted light sculptures and installations within the tunnels and chambers that will create mesmerizing and otherworldly effects.
- Optical Illusions: Turrell’s work often challenges our perception of space, light, and color. Engage with the structures with an open mind, ready to encounter unexpected illusions and playful tricks that might question your understanding of reality.
- Silence and Stillness: Desert environments can provide a sense of quietude and stillness that contrasts with our usual urban experiences. Allow this silence to enhance your observational skills and deepen your connection to the celestial events unfolding above.
- Desert Ecology: Take time to explore the surrounding Wadi AlFann landscape and learn about its unique desert ecology. Observe the indigenous flora and fauna, and consider how their cycles are intertwined with the celestial phenomena you witness.
- Community and Shared Experience: Art has the power to bring people together. Share your celestial observations and experiences with fellow visitors to create a collective narrative around Turrell’s cosmic observatories.
as you plan your visit,consider the following tips to make the most of your experience:
- Visit at different times of day and night to appreciate the full range of celestial phenomena.
- Dress appropriately for AlUla’s desert climate, which can be extreme both in day and night temperatures.
- Allow enough time to explore the extensive network of tunnels, chambers, and staircases at a leisurely pace.
- Keep an open mind and be prepared to let the art guide your experience.
- Reflect on and share your observations and experiences with others to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Turrell’s cosmic observatories.
By immersing yourself in these celestial experiences, you’ll likely leave Turrell’s cosmic observatories with a heightened sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.