Tate Modern has officially announced that the renowned artist and composer, Tarek Atoui, will be featured in the 11th Hyundai Commission. This exciting site-specific installation is slated to debut in the museum's iconic Turbine Hall on October 13, 2026, and will remain open to the public until April 11, 2027. Atoui's work is celebrated for its experimental engagement with sound and his diverse artistic practice, which often involves creating unique instruments that blend artistic expression with technological innovation.
Hailing from Beirut and based in Paris, Atoui is distinguished by his inventive methods in sound art and his interdisciplinary projects. His immersive installations frequently showcase custom-designed instruments, developed in collaboration with fellow artists and technical experts, which serve dual functions as both musical tools and sculptural forms. These creations integrate various materials such as water, glass, and ceramics, and are brought to life through breath, touch, or mechanical means. Atoui masterfully combines these sounds with field recordings and computer-generated audio, transforming the act of listening into a rich tactile and visual phenomenon.
Catherine Wood, the interim director of Tate Modern, praised Atoui's distinctive artistic vision, stating, 'Tarek Atoui has captivated global audiences with his trailblazing approach to sound. By integrating music, technology, sculpture, and performance, he stands as a truly multidisciplinary artist whose work reflects contemporary social, historical, and political dialogues.' This upcoming commission continues Tate Modern's tradition of presenting groundbreaking art that challenges perceptions and engages deeply with its audience.
Atoui’s upcoming exhibit continues a distinguished series of Turbine Hall installations, each exploring profound themes ranging from material exploration to global historical narratives. The current exhibition, 'Goavve-Geabbil' (2025) by Northern Sámi artist Máret Ánne Sara, is on display until April 6, 2026. This powerful installation utilizes materials derived from reindeer to highlight ecological and political issues impacting Sámi communities. Previous commissions have included 'Behind the Red Moon' (2023) by El Anatsui and 'Open Wound' (2024–25) by South Korean artist Mire Lee. The Hyundai Commission series, which began in 2015 with an installation by Abraham Cruzvillegas, has attracted over 19 million visitors to date. The partnership between Tate and Hyundai Motor, initially set to conclude in 2026, has recently been extended until 2036, promising many more years of innovative artistic collaborations.
This upcoming exhibition by Tarek Atoui is poised to be a significant cultural event, further cementing his reputation as a pioneering artist. His innovative blending of auditory and visual elements, coupled with his socially conscious themes, makes his work particularly resonant in today's world. The Hyundai Commission at Tate Modern's Turbine Hall consistently offers a platform for artists to create monumental and thought-provoking installations, and Atoui's contribution is eagerly anticipated to continue this legacy of artistic excellence and public engagement.