AlUla, the ancient desert oasis in the northwest of Saudi Arabia renowned for its rich history and stunning landscapes, has inspired a specially curated exhibition, “Orbis Tertius: A Journey Between Fictions and Myths.” Showcased during Paris’s globally renowned week of art.
With an opening night on the 14th October and running from 15th to 20th October 2024 during the prestigious Art Basel art fair, the exhibition features the work of 20 international artists who have participated in the AlUla Artist Residency Programme, one of the cornerstones of Arts AlUla’s annual programme organised in collaboration with AFALULA, the French Agency for AlUla Development.
“Orbis Tertius” curated by Arnaud Morand, Head of Arts (AFALULA), features 43 captivating works, including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and videos, spread across four levels and over 1,200 square meters of exhibition space in the heart of Paris’s artistic Marais district. The curation explores the interplay between fiction and reality, reflecting AlUla’s own unique blend of ancient myths, legends and heritage and future-facing innovation.
The international collective of artists featured in the exhibition include: Maitha Abdalla, Mohammad Alfaraj, Monira Al Qadiri, Daniah Alsaleh, Marlon De Azambuja, Grégory Chatonsky, Salomé Chatriot, Sara Favriau, Talin Hazbar, M’hammed Kilito, Sabine Mirlesse, Leo Orta, Louis-Cyprien Rials, Anhar Salem, Hugo Servanin, Sofiane Si Merabet, Aicha Snoussi, Ittah Yoda, and Ayman Zedani.
“AlUla has long been a crossroads of cultures and a wellspring of creativity,” commented Nora Aldabal, Executive Director of Arts and Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).
“With ‘Orbis Tertius,’ our first exhibition in France of these seminal works created during the AlUla Artist Residency Programme, we are showcasing the extraordinary artistic vision flourishing in AlUla and demonstrating its power to bridge cultures and inspire dialogue. This exhibition is a testament to incredible inspiration that artists and creatives discover in AlUla – a place where the world can connect with ancient history and experience contemporary artistic expressions.”
For millennia, AlUla has been a hub of cultural transfer and a crossroads for trade and civilisation. Its unique landscape—home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site—and its history as a stop on the Incense Road continue to inspire groundbreaking artistic expressions. The convergence of AlUla’s timeless story and breathtaking natural beauty creates a fertile ground for creative exploration.
The AlUla Artist Residency Programme, established in 2021 by Arts AlUla and AFALULA, Is a cornerstone of AlUla’s vision for the 21st century. It acts as a catalyst for the development of artistic practice, leveraging artists’ perceptions and critical perspectives while providing them with the time and space within an inspirational natural and rich historic sitting within which to nurture their craft.
During the course of their residency in AlUla, artists delve into questions of cultural connection, environmental responsibility, and the integration of local traditions into contemporary practice, drawing inspiration from AlUla’s 200,000-year-old human history and awe-inspiring landscapes.
The AlUla Artist Residency Programme is just one of the many initiatives and cultural assets that are set to cement AlUla’s position as a global art destination – be it land art and contemporary art, visual arts, design, performing arts, and film.
“AlUla’s ambition for art, design, and culture is to create a better future for the region, generating jobs and opportunities for cultural and knowledge enrichment for those who live, visit, and work there,” said Nora.
One example of this is Madrasat Addeera, situated in the heart of the AlJadidah Arts District, a creative hub dedicated to reviving ancient crafts, fostering a deeper appreciation for heritage, and creating valuable opportunities for the local community. This initiative empowers the community to actively participate in and benefit from the cultural and economic opportunities presented by AlUla’s growing prominence in the global art and tourism sphere.
AlUla is also pioneering the Art in the Landscape movement through transformative initiatives such as Desert X AlUla and Wadi AlFann. Wadi AlFann, set to begin unveiling its era-defining artworks in a phased approach starting in 2025, is emerging as a global art destination with seminal works by world-renowned artists embedded across its 65 sq km landscape- establishing a permanent legacy that cements AlUla’s reputation as a timeless cradle of creativity.
Together, these visionary projects reimagine AlUla’s expansive desert landscapes as dynamic canvases for remarkable art installations, demonstrating a harmonious interaction between human artistry and the natural environment.