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From February 9th to March 23rd, 2024, Desert X AlUla is set to unveil its newest exhibition themed "In the Presence of Absence." The festival, held every two years in Saudi Arabia's desert region, showcases 15 commissioned artworks delving into the unseen. Renowned curators Maya El Khalil and Marcello Dantas guide this third edition, inviting artists to interact with AlUla's landscape, nature, and heritage.
Positioning AlUla as a hub for monumental art, this year's theme challenges the notion of deserts as "empty spaces." Artists globally are encouraged to explore the conceptual ideas of the invisible, engaging in a dialogue with AlUla's environment. The exhibition spans three locations—Wadi AlFann, Harrat Uwayrid, and alManshiyah Plaza—each revealing distinct aspects of AlUla's landscape and cultural history.
Artists draw inspiration from their surroundings, resulting in notable installations like Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi's "Invisible Possibilities" and Kimsooja's "To Breathe – AlUla," offering unique perspectives on the geological and ecological features.
The diverse installations include Ayman Yossri Daydban's outlined football pitch, Bosco Sodi's golden-wrapped volcanic rocks, and Caline Aoun's polished stones symbolizing the desert's transience. 'Reveries' by Rana Haddad and Pascal Hachem pay homage to old crafts, while Ibrahim Mahama's clay pots suggest contemporary ecosystems emerging from ancient treasures.
Immersive experiences, like Aseel AlYaqoub's desert rock varnish investigation and Karola Braga's scent-based installation "Sfumato," add depth. 'Preserving Shadows' by Filwa Nazer and 'W.A.B.A.R.' by Monira Al Qadiri delve into the region's history and mythology, while 'The Dot' by Faisal Samra and sculptures by Rand Abdul Jabbar provide contemplative moments in the desert landscape.
The exhibition goes beyond visual art, offering talks, workshops, and musical performances. Desert X AlUla aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and set the stage for future projects, including the permanent land art destination, Wadi AlFann, scheduled for 2026.
By reviving the region's artistic legacy, Desert X AlUla seeks to create opportunities for community engagement through art as a source of education. Building on last year's exploration of environmental and social themes in Coachella Valley, and the 2022 edition exploring "ideas of mirage and oasis," the 2024 exhibition continues to contribute to AlUla's vibrant cultural landscape.
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