American land artist James Turrell to bring his skyspaces to Saudi Arabia’s AlUla

 

Renowned artist set to transform Saudi landscape with new project in Wadi AlFann 

Renowned land artist James Turrell is set to transform the Saudi Arabian landscape with an ambitious new project in Wadi AlFann, meaning “Valley of the Arts.” This upcoming contemporary art destination is located in AlUla, a historic oasis city that has quickly risen as one of Saudi Arabia’s premier art hubs. Turrell’s involvement promises to elevate AlUla’s reputation even further.

Revealed through renderings released in January 2025 during Turrell’s retrospective at the AlUla Arts Festival, the project features two sunken chambers embedded into the valley floor. These immersive spaces can be explored via tunnels and staircases, inviting visitors to physically connect with the earth while catching stunning views of the sky through the chambers’ upper oculi.

 

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Above ground, visitors will encounter circular structures carved directly from the valley’s sandstone, seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings. One area functions as an oversized sundial, reflecting Turrell’s deep engagement with light and celestial phenomena — core elements of his Light and Space movement legacy.

Though Turrell hails from Arizona, the desert landscape of AlUla felt surprisingly familiar to him, enabling a smooth creative process. “I was very familiar with that kind of landscape and strangely felt at home with doing work there,” he said. “The installation will include two large Skyspaces and two smaller ones, each designed to highlight different qualities of the sky. The dry desert air and minimal moisture in AlUla produce a crisp, clear light that perfectly complements my Skyspaces.”

 

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Eager visitors will need patience, as the project is expected to take about four years to complete. Until then, these stunning renderings offer a glimpse into the visionary art that will soon take shape in the Valley of the Arts.

Source: mymodernmet.com