Desert X AlUla 2022 exhibition explores mirage theme amid Saudi Arabia's cultural transformation

The 2022 edition of Desert X AlUla, Saudi Arabia's version of the land-art exhibition, showcased 15 artists who interpreted the concept of Sarab (mirage) in a canyon located 30 minutes from the previous 2020 site. Curators Reem Fadda, Raneem Farsi, and Neville Wakefield chose works that reflect the conflicts between artificial and natural landscapes in AlUla, a town evolving under Vision 2030. In contrast to California's 'leave no trace' principle, some installations from 2020 are still visible from the Habitas resort. Highlights include Monika Sosnowska's rusted steel rods, Shezad Dawood's coral structures, and Dana Awartani's sandstone throne. Cultural efforts encompass a public-art initiative, arthouse cinema, artist residencies, and collaboration with the French Agency for AlUla Development.