Tarek Atoui's First Irish Solo Exhibition Opens at IMMA in 2026
On Saturday, 21 February 2026, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) will unveil the inaugural solo exhibition in Ireland by Lebanese sound artist Tarek Atoui, who resides in Paris. His work delves into sound and listening through immersive installations. The exhibition will showcase 'Souffle Continu' in the Baroque Chapel, which emphasizes wind instruments, alongside 'Sunflowers' in the gallery areas, drawing inspiration from Korean drumming. 'Souffle Continu' features pieces like 'Organ Within' and 'Wind Houses (#1 & #2)', created from research conducted with deaf students since 2013. Meanwhile, 'Sunflowers' (2024–2025) will serve as listening devices for collaborative creation. Mary Cremin, IMMA's Head of Programming, conveyed her enthusiasm for Atoui's artistry and his upcoming Hyundai Commission at Tate Modern in 2026.
Key facts
- First solo exhibition in Ireland by Tarek Atoui at IMMA
- Opens Saturday, 21 February 2026
- Exhibition includes 'Souffle Continu' in the Baroque Chapel and 'Sunflowers' in gallery spaces
- 'Souffle Continu' features 'Organ Within' and 'Wind Houses (#1 & #2)'
- Research on 'Souffle Continu' began in 2013 in dialogue with deaf students
- 'Organ Within' collaboration with Léo Maurel and Vincent Martial
- 'Wind House #1' inspired by SubBass Prototone built by Johannes Goebel in the 1980s
- 'Sunflowers' (2024–2025) inspired by Korean drumming traditions
- 'The Whisperers' (2021–2022) and 'Whispering Playground' (2021) are also presented
- Atoui selected for Hyundai Commission at Tate Modern's Turbine Hall in 2026
Entities
Artists
- Tarek Atoui
- Léo Maurel
- Vincent Martial
- Johannes Goebel
- Mary Cremin
Institutions
- Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
- Tate Modern
- Hyundai Commission
Locations
- Ireland
- Paris
- Baroque Chapel
- Gallery 3
- Room 2
- Dublin
- Lebanon