The third edition of the show, which originated in Southern California, features large-scale installations by 17 artists from the region and beyond
Submitted at Mar 15, 2024, 6:00 AM
Faisal Samra, The Dot, Desert X AlUla 2024 (Lance Gerber)
Amid desert landscapes and towering rock formations, the third iteration of Desert X AlUla , a sprawling outdoor art exhibition , has come to life again in the Saudi city of AlUla .
On display until March 23 , the exhibition, called "In the Presence of Absence" , features large-scale installations by 17 contemporary artists from around the world.
(Lance Gerber/CASACOR)
While they feature a range of cultural initiatives that blend contemporary art with ancient sites, Desert X AlUla's Brazilian co-curator Marcello Dantas says this event is "different" from the others.
(Lance Gerber/CASACOR)
"There is an asset that people don't realize, which is the virginity of this landscape in people's minds. This is not something that people have in their visual vocabulary. This is a new interpretation of a very old place with a forgotten history," he adds.
(Lance Gerber/CASACOR)
This year’s edition marks a significant chapter in AlUla ’s cultural development.
The exhibition paves the way for Wadi AlFann , a groundbreaking initiative set to launch in 2026. This expansive site will become a global hub for monumental and permanent land art , pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and engaging audiences for generations to come.
(Lance Gerber/CASACOR)
Desert X AlUla highlights the power of art to uncover the invisible, promote dialogue and connect us with the unique spirit of the place.
