Tarek Atoui's Hyundai Commission is scheduled to open at Tate Modern's Turbine Hall in London on 13 October 2026, running until 11 April 2027. The Lebanese artist, who is also a musician, aims to transform the large space into an environment for listening and playing.
Atoui's approach involves listening to the world and coaxing sound from it. His previous exhibitions have featured instruments that appear to be constructed from scavenged materials, creating a miniature world of sound.
Despite the Turbine Hall's challenging acoustics and varied audience, Atoui is reportedly not concerned about these elements. He views his creations as being more about the process than the "ideal execution" of a finished musical piece. He hopes to make the Turbine Hall "a realm in which people can listen, can play."
The exhibition will include handmade instruments that can be appreciated as sculptures when not being performed. During improvisation sessions and workshops, the space will function as a "concert hall or educational space." Atoui considers the audience to be his most important collaborator, providing a space and tools for visitors to explore and create their own experience.