artworks reveries
rana haddad . pascal hachem . installation . Desert X AlUla . alula | ksa . 2024
REVERIES in AlUla, a testament to the power of the circular economy, the Reveries stand poised to elevate it further. Within their design, the jars showcase geometric cuts, meticulously handcrafted in organic patterns, honoring the traditions of the past. These openings, a gateway to immersive experiences, breathe life into the space, as light dances through, air whispers softly, creating a mesmerizing aura.
As time passes, these very cuts become home for the desert's delicate flora and fauna, marking a slow but steady growth amidst the arid landscape. The symbiotic relationship between the Reveries and nature deepens, as they become sanctuaries for life to thrive in the seemingly inhospitable surroundings.
In the embrace of twilight, the spectacle extends beyond the earthly realm. The illuminated jars, now intertwined with the tapestry of the Milky Way, paint the night sky with celestial wonder. A cosmic symphony unfolds, where the desert's ancient spirit intertwines with the grandeur of the universe, evoking a sense of awe and introspection.
And as visitors reach out to touch the surfaces, the connection to the desert deepens. The textures of the jars and sand merge beneath their fingertips, bridging the gap between observer and observed. In this tactile encounter, the immersion in the desert's essence intensifies, heightening the appreciation for the intricacies and wonders that lie within its embrace.
Yet, just as the desert evolves, so too shall the Reveries. Crafted from the very earth that birthed them, they carry a reminder of their transient nature. Slowly, with the passage of time, they will gracefully disintegrate, returning to the earth from whence they came, leaving behind a testament to the cycle of creation and dissolution, a poignant symbol of sustainability and harmony.
Curated by Maya el khalil and marcello dantas, with raneem farsi and neville wakefield reprising their roles as co-artistic directors, the third edition of Desert X AlUla, 2024.
Site-specific commissions by Saudi and international artists respond to the exhibition's titular theme, 'In the Presence of Absence’.
Mimicking / Tower I
The medium-sized tower serves as a welcoming beacon, inviting visitors to enter through a passage flanked by columns of jars, each bearing a peeled quarter reminiscent of the erosive patterns found in the surrounding landscape. As visitors traverse this threshold, they are enveloped in a dance of light and shadow, cast by the jar-stacked columns, creating a dynamic interplay between the manmade and the natural elements. This immersive experience fosters a deeper connection between visitors and the artwork, as they engage with the inherent beauty and harmony of the site.
Proximity / Tower II
The largest tower, situated closest to the rocks, beckons visitors to approach with reverence, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the surrounding natural formations. Entry to this tower is facilitated by a gentle inclination of the rocks, prompting visitors to bow in acknowledgment of the intrinsic connection between humanity and the earth. Once inside, despite its expansive width, the space exudes intimacy, heightened by an opening to the sky and a distant view of the smaller tower, rendered diminutive in scale. This immersive experience fosters a profound dialogue between nature and the towers, enriching the visitor’s connection to the elemental forces at play within the landscape.
Framing / Tower III
The smallest tower, characterized by a narrow slit of 8cm cut through the juxtaposed jars, offers an intimate encounter with a resilient tree anchored against a steadfast rock. Framed by the slit, this natural tableau encourages contemplation of the tree's tenacity amidst adversity. Within this tower, visitors are enveloped in an atmosphere of introspection and tranquillity, as the sky above is framed by the jar, imbuing the space with a sense of meditative resonance and subtle vibration.