ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Meredith Monk retrospective Calling explores six decades of interdisciplinary sound and performance at Haus der Kunst

exhibition · 2026-04-20

The Haus der Kunst in Munich is hosting a retrospective titled Calling, highlighting Meredith Monk's six-decade journey in which she utilizes her voice as an instrument devoid of conventional language. This exhibition features a blend of sound compositions along with elements of theater, film, and dance. Among the showcased pieces are experimental works from 1966 to 1979, including a 1977 video of her ensemble performing Quarry, which contemplates World War II and issues of intolerance. The immersive final room presents works like Dolmen Music (1981). A replica of Monk's New York loft displays her personal photographs, notes, and movement notation. The exhibition also includes Singing Suitcases (1998/2003) and inventive presentations of works like Juice (1969). It will be on view until March 3, alongside a concurrent exhibition at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam.

Key facts

  • Meredith Monk's retrospective Calling is on view at Haus der Kunst in Munich through March 3
  • The exhibition highlights her six-decade career using voice as an instrument without recognizable language
  • A concurrent presentation of Calling is at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam
  • The show includes works from 1966 to 1979 with choreographic and site-specific elements
  • Dolmen Music (1981) is presented in an immersive listening environment with a circular headphone setup
  • The exhibition features a replica of Monk's New York live/work loft with personal artifacts
  • Juice: a theatre cantata in three installations (1969) is represented through an installation with horizontal logs
  • Monk studied eurhythmics as a child and attended Sarah Lawrence College

Entities

Artists

  • Meredith Monk
  • Merce Cunningham
  • Björk
  • John Cage
  • Dalai Lama

Institutions

  • Haus der Kunst
  • Oude Kerk
  • Sarah Lawrence College
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Barnard College
  • Minor Latham Playhouse
  • The House

Locations

  • Munich
  • Germany
  • Amsterdam
  • Netherlands
  • New York
  • United States
  • Lower Manhattan

Sources