Lebanese artist and composer, Tarek Atoui, takes over Tate Modern’s iconic Turbine Hall into a sprawling soundscape with his latest installation, open to the public from October 13th, 2026. This audio exhibition is designed as part of the 11th Hyundai Commission, combining experimental instruments, sculptural elements, and acoustic innovations that redefine traditional listening experiences. Atoui’s immersive approach utilizes the hall’s vast industrial architecture as an active participant in his compositions.
Sonic Sculptures: Sound Installation as Architectural Extensions
Atoui introduces four distinct instrument families designed specifically to engage with the Turbine Hall’s unique acoustic characteristics. Traditional Asian sheng instruments are brought to life with computer-controlled air systems, while large, 3D-printed Central Asian karnai horns echo the space’s monumental dimensions. Enormous Korean drums and specially designed textiles coated with conductive graphite add rich layers of sound, acting as oscillating devices in this futuristic orchestra. This exemplifies how the display utilizes diverse elements to create a compelling auditory experience.
Notably, Atoui collaborates with designers Satoshi Kondo and Issey Miyake on textile elements that produce sound through movement. Stone slabs equipped with speakers transmit vibrations, offering visitors a tactile audio experience. These innovations draw from Atoui’s partnerships with deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, encouraging a new way of experiencing sound via his exhibit.
Collective Soundscapes: An Evolving Musical Dialogue in the Installation
Breaking away from conventional art display methods, Atoui integrates the Turbine Hall’s height and reverberant qualities into his sound compositions. The installation’s interactions with the building’s industrial features create a dynamic audiovisual landscape. Catherine Wood, Interim Director of Tate Modern, highlights the importance of the architectural space in the project’s exploration of sound and vibration.
Over 40 musicians will engage with the installation, contributing to its evolving soundscape across six months. Their live performances introduce improvisations, reflecting Atoui’s philosophy that music is a shared, dynamic activity involving performers, architecture, and audiences alike. This ongoing interaction is a central aspect of the event.
Curators Nabila Abdel Nabi and Dina Akhmadeeva Present Atoui’s Vision
This innovative project, curated by Nabila Abdel Nabi and Dina Akhmadeeva, is another milestone in the Hyundai Commission series, which has attracted over 19 million visitors. It champions contemporary art‘s evolution by encouraging public interaction in London’s cultural heart. The collaboration between Tate and Hyundai Motor continues, fostering artistic experiments that push the boundaries of public art and engagement.
Open to all with free admission, “Hyundai Commission: Tarek Atoui” runs until April 11th, 2027, offering a unique exploration where sound is a visible, tangible experience, offering a different way of navigating the museum. This presentation stands as a testament to how sound installations can redefine museum experiences.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
When is Tarek Atoui’s installation open to the public?
Tarek Atoui’s installation is open to the public from October 13th, 2026.
What is the duration of Atoui’s installation at Tate Modern?
The installation runs until April 11th, 2027.
What unique elements are included in Atoui’s sound installation?
Atoui’s installation includes experimental instruments, sculptural elements, and acoustic innovations, such as computer-controlled Asian sheng instruments, 3D-printed Central Asian karnai horns, Korean drums, and textile elements that produce sound through movement.