James Turrell Reveals Plans for Massive ‘Cosmic Observatories’ in AlUla Desert

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As a gaming enthusiast diving into the world of digital art, I’m thrilled to share that renowned light and space artist James Turrell has unveiled plans for an epic land artwork in the arid expanse of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. In anticipation of his commission for Wadi AlFann – a breath-taking open-air museum that translates as “Valley of the Arts” – an upcoming exhibition promises to trace his path as a groundbreaking artist, offering a sneak peek into his forthcoming masterpiece.

In the coming four years, an as-yet-unnamed project takes its cue from the pristine desert light and awe-inspiring landscapes found in the desert. A visit to this location in 2020 sparked a sense of familiarity for artist James Turrell, reminding him of his longstanding work at Roden Crater in Northern Arizona. As he put it, “I’d already been acquainted with that kind of terrain and surprisingly felt right at home working there.

Visitors will journey through a series of extensive tunnels, passages, rooms, and steps on the canyon floor, emerging both beneath and above the earth. They’ll travel between areas bathed in light and those shrouded in darkness. The installation consists of four structures – two large and two small “Skyspaces” – these are underground openings that function as celestial observatories. According to the lead curator Iwona Blazwick, they aim to challenge our understanding of celestial light as shared with designboom.

On the surface level, the setup transforms into a “celestial chart” etched onto the surrounding sandstone bluffs, fostering an interaction between earth and heavens. Collectively, these spaces embody James Turrell’s concept of ‘light as substance’ – a sensory experience that showcases the boundlessness of the cosmos through the essence of light itself.

This building will serve dual purposes: it will act as a permanent gallery for displaying Turrell’s masterpieces, and it will showcase some of his most renowned works such as the 1968 projection piece, “Alta”, that turns a dim room corner into a radiant pink-violet pyramid. It will also exhibit more recent, mesmerizing circular pieces like “Jubilee” (2021) from his “Circular Glass” series.

Turrell, along with Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, and Ahmed Mater, is among five artists selected to establish lasting land artworks. Covering an area of approximately 64 square kilometers (or around 40 square miles) in the vast desert landscape, Wadi AlFann signifies a significant reemergence of Land Art within the Kingdom. This initiative pairs established artists with emerging Saudi Arabian talents.

At the AlUla Arts Festival, running through February 22 in the AlJadidah Arts District, you’ll find James Turrell’s work showcased by Wadi AlFann. This exhibit will continue to be on display until April 19, 2025.

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2025-01-21 21:26