After mesmerizing audiences in Paris and New York, Céleste Boursier-Mougenot’s renowned installation, “clinamen,” finds a new outdoor home at Onassis Mandra in Athens. From September 26th to December 5th, 2026, visitors can explore this innovative sound installation in the open-air setting of a historic Belle Époque theater, where it invites visitors to experience a unique symphony created by nature and porcelain.
Integrating Urban Sounds with Porcelain Music in Athens
Situated beside the Onassis Library, “clinamen” features hundreds of white porcelain bowls floating across three circular pools. These bowls gently collide, creating an ever-changing soundscape influenced by urban sounds such as traffic, wind, and footsteps, as well as natural elements like sunlight and rain. The atmosphere is further enhanced by this interplay between the tangible and the auditory.
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A Dynamic and Ever-Evolving Composition
Conceived in 1997, “clinamen” adheres to no fixed sequence, allowing the movement of water to dictate the music. Each porcelain bowl, chosen for its unique timbre, contributes to the delicate, bell-like tones produced as they move. Boursier-Mougenot’s intention is for the installation to evolve naturally with the elements, turning a passing gust or a sudden shower into contributors to this organic symphony. This artistic experience makes it a vibrant proof of art’s fluid nature.
From Indoor Masterpiece to Outdoor Marvel
This Athens installation marks a significant departure from previous indoor presentations, as the artist ventures outside for the first time. Initially reluctant, Boursier-Mougenot now embraces the unpredictability the outdoor setting provides. “It has to be perfect when there is no wind, no rain. And then if suddenly the breeze comes, it’s going to be perfectly balanced,” he explains.
The Artistic Philosophy of Chance Encounters
Central to the installation is the idea of clinamen, an Epicurean concept representing unpredictable deviation in motion. This philosophy aligns with Boursier-Mougenot’s broader artistic practice, where chance plays a pivotal role. By presenting his work outdoors, particularly in this captivating Athens setting, the piece becomes an open system, with each new encounter offering fresh auditory experiences.
An Invitation to Explore and Listen
Boursier-Mougenot sees this installation as an invitation for spectators to inhabit and engage with the space. The city and its sounds are integral components, making each visit a distinct experience. As bowls drift and collide, they compose a musical narrative that varies with each encounter, both unpredictable and harmonious.
Engage with other transformative art experiences that bridge nature and creativity. Amber Cowan’s enchanting sculptures crafted from glass offer a similarly innovative approach worth exploring.
Experience “Clinamen” in Athens
The installation is open to the public until December 5th, 2026. Discover how the subtle changes in environment and sound intertwine, turning an ordinary day in Athens into an extraordinary auditory journey.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
When is ‘Clinamen’ available to visit in Athens?
The installation is open to the public from September 26th to December 5th, 2026.
What is the setting for ‘Clinamen’ in Athens?
‘Clinamen’ is presented in the open-air setting of a historic Belle Époque theater at Onassis Mandra in Athens.
How does the ‘Clinamen’ installation create sound?
The installation features white porcelain bowls floating across pools, which collide to create a soundscape influenced by urban and natural sounds, such as traffic, wind, sunlight, and rain.