Hyundai and Tate's Innovative Partnership Introduces Tarek Atoui's Multisensory Installation
Hyundai Commission: Tarek Atoui Hold
Hyundai Motor Company, in collaboration with Tate Modern, has unveiled Hyundai Commission: Tarek Atoui Hold, a groundbreaking multisensory installation that invites audiences into a world where sound transcends traditional listening. Set in the iconic Turbine Hall of Tate Modern, the installation emphasizes the dynamic relationship between sound, space, and human interaction.
A Journey into Sound
Tarek Atoui, an acclaimed artist and composer, has masterfully integrated sculpture, performance, and technology to create an immersive sonic experience. Within the expansive Turbine Hall, visitors will find an orchestration of wind instruments, percussion, and electronically enhanced sculptural objects designed to engage the body and mind. The installation transforms the way audiences perceive sound, allowing them to feel it throughout their entire being.
The innovative design includes unique elements like a metal karnai, a ceremonial brass trumpet from Uzbekistan, and 3D-printed horns that interact with the hall's architectural acoustics. Additionally, Atoui incorporates drum skins, gongs, and shengs—traditional mouth organs from East Asia—into a rich tapestry of sound that connects both Earth and sky. This fusion of instruments creates a living soundscape that will continuously evolve over the course of the commission’s six-month duration.
An Evolving Installation
Embedded microphones sample various sounds, from the installation’s own instruments to the lively atmosphere of the Turbine Hall. These sounds are then manipulated using custom software to form an ever-changing auditory experience, showcasing Atoui's commitment to improvisation and collaboration. This dynamic approach ensures that no two visits will be the same, inviting people back to discover new layers of sound and interaction.
To enhance the communal aspect of this artwork, live performances are scheduled regularly throughout the installation. Musicians from various backgrounds—ranging from local talents to international artists—will have the opportunity to 'plug into' Atoui's creation, offering diverse performances that celebrate the intersection of cultures through sound.
A Lasting Partnership
Hyundai's partnership with Tate, established in 2014, marks a remarkable commitment to fostering artistic innovation and expanding public access to contemporary art. With the unveiling of this commission, the collaboration extends into the next decade, emphasizing the significance of art and community engagement. This initiative aligns with Hyundai's mission to support creative endeavors that promote dialogue and cultural exchange.
DooEun Choi, Art Director at Hyundai Motor Company, articulates the essence of this project: “Hyundai Commission: Tarek Atoui Hold creates new forms of connection through sound, bringing together diverse cultures and communities.” This vision invites all to reflect on modern-day experiences while actively participating in a shared exploration of creativity.
To experience this extraordinary installation, make your way to Tate Modern in London from October 13, 2026, to April 11, 2027. Engage with a new artistic frontier that promises to be both mesmerizing and thought-provoking, as it challenges our perceptions of sound, space, and community interaction in art.
Hyundai Commission: Tarek Atoui Hold illustrates the potential of art to foster connections and inspire new forms of expression. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness one of the most ambitious installations to grace Tate Modern, where art and technology unite to create an unforgettable experience.