James Turrell in AlUla offers a glimpse into his legacy as a leading figure in the Light and Space movement. Known for his use of light as a medium to shape sensory experiences, Turrell’s exhibition serves as a prelude to a monumental Land Art commission planned for Wadi AlFann, an open-air museum translating to the “Valley of the Arts.” This installation, set to be completed within four years, will blend AlUla’s striking sandstone formations and desert light into a series of pathways, chambers, and celestial observatories.
Titled Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell, this exhibition runs from January 16 to April 19, 2025, as part of the AlUla Arts Festival. Curated by Michael Govan, CEO of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the exhibition bridges Turrell’s legacy with his ambitious Wadi AlFann commission. Visitors can explore light art installations, as well as renders, plans, and a constellation map related to Turrell’s upcoming monumental project in AlUla. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience the artist’s profound exploration of light, perception, and space, culminating in a series of immersive experiences that will engage visitors both intellectually and sensorially.
Turrell’s upcoming commission at Wadi AlFann will create a series of chambers within the canyon floor, designed to explore the “thingness of light” through a dynamic interplay of light, sky, and terrain. The experience will involve tunnels and stairs, allowing visitors to explore light and space in an entirely new way. The large-scale project aims to offer a deep exploration of the nature of seeing and perception, inviting viewers into a dialogue with both art and nature. Highlights include the Skyspaces—circular oculi framing the sky—and the Sun/Moon Chamber, a space where cosmic light interacts with terrestrial forms. Above ground, the work expands into a planetary-inspired landscape, featuring an obelisk that marks the passage of the sun, uniting natural rhythms with human design.
The exhibition, curated by Michael Govan, surveys Turrell’s enduring exploration of light, perception, and space. Alongside the renders for the upcoming land art installation, the signature works on display include: Alta (1968), a luminous pyramid of pink-violet light that appears solid despite its immateriality, and Jubilee (2021), and works from his Magnatron and Hologram series, creating an immersive, meditative environment where art and nature merge. Through these works, Turrell invites viewers into meditative encounters with light, likened to “the wordless thought that comes from watching fire.”
Wadi AlFann, the “Valley of the Arts,” will become a global cultural destination, featuring permanent works by prominent international artists, including Turrell, Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, and Ahmed Mater. The exhibition in AlJadidah Arts District is part of the pre-opening programme of Wadi AlFann and offers a comprehensive context for Turrell’s artistic vision and the monumental Land Art commissions that will define the future of this site in AlUla.
About James Turell
James Turrell is an acclaimed American artist known for his pioneering work with light and space. Born in 1943 in Los Angeles, Turrell studied perceptual psychology and fine art, shaping his unique approach to creating immersive environments. His work explores the physical and emotional impact of light, often transforming architectural spaces into contemplative realms that challenge perceptions of depth and reality. Among his most celebrated projects is Roden Crater, a monumental land art installation within a dormant volcanic crater in Arizona. Over his six-decade career, Turrell has received numerous accolades and continues to inspire audiences worldwide with his visionary art.
Location: AlUla, KSA Northwestern Desert
Dates: January 11 – February 22, 2025