Tarek Atoui on Sound Sculptures and the Sonic Turn in Art
Artist Tarek Atoui, born in Lebanon and based in Paris, creates environments where sculptures double as experimental musical instruments activated by audiences or performers. At the current Venice Biennale, he participates in the Qatar Pavilion's project "Untitled 2026 (A Gathering Of Remarkable People)" alongside a super-group from art, music, and food. Later this year, Atoui will create the Turbine Hall commission for Tate Modern in London, one of the most prominent exhibition spaces globally. This reflects a broader "sonic turn" in museums, where soundtracks, noisy sculptures, and musical performances are increasingly prevalent.
Key facts
- Tarek Atoui is a sound artist born in Lebanon and based in Paris.
- His sculptures double as experimental musical instruments.
- Atoui is part of the Qatar Pavilion at the current Venice Biennale.
- The project is called 'Untitled 2026 (A Gathering Of Remarkable People)'.
- The project involves figures from art, music, and food.
- Atoui will do the Turbine Hall commission for Tate Modern later this year.
- The Turbine Hall is a highly watched exhibition space.
- Sound is growing in importance at museums, with exhibitions having soundtracks and sculptures making noise.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Artnet News
- Qatar Pavilion
- Tate Modern
Locations
- Lebanon
- Paris
- Venice
- London