Saudi Arabia’s Contemporary Art Scene Flourishes at Venice with Wadi AlFann’s Latest Exhibition

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wadi AlFann unveils “Journeys in Land Art Towards Wadi AlFann, AlUla,” a captivating showcase at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. This exhibition shines a spotlight on the inaugural five artists commissioned for Wadi AlFann, a burgeoning hub for contemporary art.

On exhibit are an array of renders, drawings, maquettes, and interviews, offering insight into the creative process. Notably, Manal AlDowayan, representing Saudi Arabia at La Biennale di Venezia 2024, presents drawings collected from participatory workshops across AlUla, capturing the essence of local communities. Additionally, studies by Ahmed Mater and James Turrell provide glimpses into their contributions to Wadi AlFann.

Guided tours are available on April 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, and 27th, offering visitors a deeper understanding of this groundbreaking cultural initiative.

Wadi AlFann, translating to ‘Valley of the Arts,’ is poised to become a global epicenter for contemporary art. Spanning 65 square kilometers in the awe-inspiring landscape of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, this cultural destination promises to house monumental works from esteemed artists worldwide.

The inaugural artists, including Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, Ahmed Mater, and James Turrell, are crafting large-scale, site-specific commissions that harmonize with AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage. These commissions mark the beginning of an ongoing program, with more artists to be announced in the future.

Informed by the desert landscape, Wadi AlFann’s artists draw inspiration from the region’s topography, geological formations, and natural ecosystems. Their works, respectful of the environment, will adorn the sandstone cliffs and canyons, enhancing the region’s natural beauty.

At the Venice showcase, Ahmed Mater presents plans for his commission, “Ashab Al-Lal,” an exploration of subjective imagination and objective reality within the sand dunes. James Turrell offers a glimpse of his commission, continuing his exploration of perception and light.

Manal AlDowayan’s participatory workshops result in drawings reflecting the lives and identities of AlUla’s inhabitants. These drawings, along with interviews with all five artists, provide a tantalizing preview of what awaits visitors at Wadi AlFann.

Nora Aldabal, Executive Director of Arts and Creative Industries, Royal Commission for AlUla, says: “We are delighted to introduce Wadi AlFann to Venice, during the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, through the Wadi AlFann showcase. It provides a glimpse at the journey towards AlUla’s new global destination for land art. Visionary arts initiatives like Wadi AlFann play a crucial role in AlUla’s development strategy, and we cannot wait for you to see it in person.”

Showcase Title:
“Journeys in Land Art: Towards Wadi AlFann, AlUla”
Location: Abbazia di San Gregorio, Venice
Dates: April 16 – 30, 2024

Opening Hours:

• April 16: Private Preview 8:30 – 10am, Open to the Public 10am – 6pm
  April 17th to 30th: 9am to 6pm

Program Highlights:
Friday, April 19th: “The Book as Public Art” – 12:30 – 1:30pm
Wadi AlFann Publications introduces two captivating Artists’ Books: “Oasis of Stories” and “The Desert Field Guide.” Through these works, Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan and US artist Mark Dion delve into the profound concept of the book as a narrative medium. an artistic medium.an artistic medium, discussing the integral role of participation in their practice and the narratives encapsulated in their artists’ books, shedding light on the desert environment.

• Daily Guided Tours: April 18 – 20, April 25 – 27 – 4 – 5:30pm

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