Tate Modern has announced the artist behind its next major Turbine Hall commission, set to transform the iconic space in autumn 2026. Lebanese multidisciplinary artist and composer Tarek Atoui will create an immersive installation, continuing the gallery's tradition of showcasing groundbreaking contemporary works.
An Artist Pushing Sensory Boundaries
Born in Beirut and now based in Paris, Tarek Atoui has gained international recognition for his innovative approach to sound art. His practice involves creating intricate, engineered instruments that function both as musical devices and sculptural objects. These imaginative creations often incorporate materials like glass, water, and ceramics, activated through touch, breath, and mechanical systems.
Atoui's work expands traditional notions of listening by engaging multiple senses simultaneously. He combines environmental recordings with computer-generated sounds and live performance elements, creating experiences that can be felt through touch and sight as well as hearing. This multisensory approach has captivated audiences worldwide and established him as a truly cross-disciplinary artist.
Commission Details and Exhibition Period
The Hyundai-commissioned installation will occupy the vast Turbine Hall from October 13, 2026, to April 11, 2027. This six-month exhibition period will give visitors ample opportunity to experience Atoui's boundary-pushing work in one of London's most significant contemporary art spaces.
Catherine Wood, Interim Director of Tate Modern, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming commission: 'Tarek Atoui has captivated audiences internationally with his boundary-pushing approach to sound. Blending music, technology, sculpture and performance, he is a truly cross-disciplinary artist whose work references current social, historical and political realities.'
Wood added: 'Architectural space plays an important role in Atoui's ongoing investigation into sound and vibration, and we can't wait to see how he engages with audiences within the public space of Tate Modern's iconic Turbine Hall.'
The Turbine Hall Commission Tradition
Each year, Tate Modern commissions a major new artwork specifically for its monumental Turbine Hall, creating what has become one of London's most anticipated cultural events. The space's immense scale and industrial architecture present unique challenges and opportunities for artists, resulting in installations that often become landmark moments in contemporary art.
Previous Turbine Hall commissions have featured works by internationally renowned artists including:
- Olafur Eliasson's The Weather Project
- Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds
- Kara Walker's Fons Americanus
- Anicka Yi's In Love With The World
Atoui's installation continues this tradition of ambitious, site-specific works that engage with the unique characteristics of the Turbine Hall while pushing artistic boundaries.
Collaborative Creation Process
Characteristic of Atoui's practice, the Turbine Hall installation will likely involve extensive collaboration with other artists, composers, and makers. His previous works have demonstrated a commitment to collective creation, bringing together diverse expertise to realize complex sonic environments.
The artist's approach typically involves:
- Developing custom instruments and sound-generating devices
- Creating responsive environments that change with audience interaction
- Integrating architectural elements into the sonic experience
- Exploring how vibration and resonance can create physical experiences of sound
This collaborative methodology ensures that each installation represents not just individual artistic vision but a convergence of creative perspectives and technical expertise.
London's Evolving Cultural Landscape
The announcement comes as London prepares for several significant cultural events in 2026, including a major Renoir exhibition and the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Serpentine Pavilion. Atoui's Turbine Hall commission represents another highlight in what promises to be an exceptional year for the capital's art scene.
Tate Modern's continued commitment to presenting innovative contemporary art maintains its position as a global leader in the cultural sector. The Turbine Hall commissions particularly demonstrate the institution's dedication to supporting artists in creating ambitious, large-scale works that challenge conventional artistic practices.
As anticipation builds for the autumn 2026 opening, art enthusiasts and the general public alike can look forward to experiencing how Atoui will transform one of London's most iconic cultural spaces through his unique approach to sound, sculpture, and sensory experience.
