Saudi Arabia's AlUla opens 2nd site-responsive desert art exhibition

By Xinhua Published: Feb 12, 2022 08:05 AM

Photo taken on Feb. 9, 2022 shows a piece of artwork of the 2nd Desert X AlUla, a desert art exhibition in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.(Photo: Xinhua)

Desert X AlUla, the first site-responsive art exhibition of its kind in Saudi Arabia, officially opened its second edition on Friday in the kingdom's northwestern ancient city characterized by natural heritage, showcasing creative desert works of 15 artists from around the world.

Under the theme of Sarab (mirage in English), the event runs from Feb. 11 to March 30 and aims to explore ideas of mirage and oasis, where participating artists are invited to address dreams, camouflage, fiction, appearance or disappearance, extraction, illusion and myth, and examine the dichotomy between the natural and manmade worlds.

Neville Wakefield, co-artistic director of Desert X AlUla, said the landscape and history of AlUla, which has always been at the crossroads of trade and culture, have and will continue to draw people from across the globe.

Nora Aldabal, arts and creative planning director at Royal Commission for AlUla, said the Saudi exhibition allows people to integrate art, nature and history together, hailing AlUla "a destination built and inspired by artists."

"With initiatives like Desert X AlUla, we are crafting the next chapter in AlUla's history as a cradle of artistic inspiration, transfer and expression," she noted.

Building on the legacy of Desert X, produced by a non-profit charity in California, Desert X AlUla draws on principles of land art, offering a profound opportunity to experience art on a monumental scale in dialogue with nature.