Wadi AlFann Presents James Turrell Survey at AlUla Arts Festival 2025

From January 16 to April 19, 2025, Wadi AlFann will showcase a survey exhibition of James Turrell as part of the AlUla Arts Festival 2025. Curated by Michael Govan, CEO of LACMA, this exhibition highlights Turrell's legacy and his forthcoming monumental commission in AlUla. It includes light installations, plans, renders, and a constellation map, along with four pieces from private collections and the Royal Commission for AlUla. Notable works are Alta (1968), Jubilee, Circular Glass (2021), a Magnatron series piece reminiscent of childhood television, and a work from the Hologram series. The exhibition takes place in two venues within AlUla's historic AlJadidah Arts District. The festival itself runs from January 16 to February 22, 2025. Turrell is among five commissioned artists for Wadi AlFann, joining Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, and Ahmed Mater. Nora Aldabal, Director of Arts and Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla, expressed enthusiasm for showcasing Turrell's art and working with Govan, who praised Turrell's innovative approach to light and referenced LACMA's retrospective in 2013-14. The commission will incorporate two large and two small Skyspaces, designed to utilize AlUla's distinct desert light.