Now You See Me, Now You Don’t, 2020
Manal AlDowayan presents an installation of 12 trampolines at Desert X AlUla. Entitled Now You See Me, Now You Don’t (2020), AlDowayan’s work riffs off the humble puddle—an ephemeral concentration of water stopped in its path as it flows to the lowest point of gravity—yet highlights burning issues of irresponsible irrigation practices that have spiked water scarcity in Saudi Arabia today.
Like alien puddles dotting the craggy AlUla valley, twelve trampolines invite viewers to bounce, touch, lounge or simply reflect. At sunset, the structures become Moon Circles, lit by a series of special lighting techniques.
Organised collaboratively by Desert X and the Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU), Desert X AlUla is the first site-responsive exhibition of its kind in Saudi Arabia.