ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Manal AlDowayan's 'Oasis of Stories' Labyrinth to Feature Community Histories at Wadi AlFann

exhibition · 2026-04-20

Manal AlDowayan is developing a permanent Land Art project titled 'Oasis of Stories' for Wadi AlFann, a contemporary art site set to launch in 2026 in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. This installation draws inspiration from the mud walls of AlUla's Old Town, incorporating architectonic passages that reflect the personal narratives of local residents. An exhibition detailing AlDowayan's artistic journey will debut on February 9, 2024, during the AlUla Arts Festival, featuring drawings contributed by over 700 community members. Spanning 65 square kilometers, Wadi AlFann will showcase works by artists such as Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, Ahmed Mater, and James Turrell. Curated by Iwona Blazwick, the pre-opening program includes diverse cultural events. Nora Aldabal emphasizes Wadi AlFann's significance in promoting creativity and enhancing the local economy.

Key facts

  • Manal AlDowayan is creating a permanent Land Art commission titled 'Oasis of Stories' for Wadi AlFann in AlUla, Saudi Arabia
  • Wadi AlFann opens in 2026 and spans approximately 65 square kilometers in the desert
  • An exhibition showcasing AlDowayan's journey opens February 9, 2024, as part of AlUla Arts Festival
  • Over 700 AlUla residents participated in workshops, creating drawings that will be inscribed into the installation
  • Other commissioned artists include Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, Ahmed Mater, and James Turrell
  • The installation is a labyrinth inspired by AlUla's Old Town mud walls
  • Curator Iwona Blazwick oversees the pre-opening program including symposia and performances
  • Nora Aldabal is Executive Director of Arts and Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla

Entities

Artists

  • Manal AlDowayan
  • Agnes Denes
  • Michael Heizer
  • Ahmed Mater
  • James Turrell
  • Iwona Blazwick

Institutions

  • Wadi AlFann
  • AlUla Arts Festival
  • Royal Commission for AlUla

Locations

  • AlUla
  • Saudi Arabia
  • London
  • Dhahran
  • Dubai
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Spain
  • UK
  • USA
  • Hungary

Sources