Desert X AlUla 2024 Explores Invisibility and Transience Across Saudi Desert

The third edition of Desert X AlUla, curated by Maya El Khalil and Marcello Dantas with artistic direction from Raneem Farsi and Neville Wakefield, opened across three locations in Saudi Arabia: Wadi AlFann, Harrat Uwayrid, and AlManshiyah Plaza in AlUla town. Titled 'In the Presence of Absence,' the exhibition features 17 artists exploring themes of invisibility, transience, and temporal illusion. Notable works include Caline Aoun's 'The Desert Has No Surface,' a circle of hand-picked water-polished stones set on a protected basalt plateau; Kimsooja's iridescent spiral 'To Breathe'; and Tino Sehgal's performative piece 'un titled,' which moved many to tears and was not allowed to be photographed. Other artists include Sara Alissa, Nojoud Alsudairi, Karola Braga, Filwa Nazer, Ibrahim Mahama, and Rand Abdul Jabbar. The exhibition runs until 23 March 2024.