Tarek Atoui: At-Tāriq

The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum , in collaboration with TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary , presents the exhibition 'Tarek Atoui. At-Tāriq', curated by Daniela Zyman . This is the first major solo exhibition in Madrid by the renowned Franco-Lebanese artist and composer Tarek Atoui . Born in Beirut in 1980, Atoui is internationally known for his innovative approach to musical creation and performance. His work challenges traditional forms of perception of sound, turning it into an element of human interaction and social exploration. His work has been presented at venues such as the Venice Biennale , the Tate Modern and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.

The title of the exhibition, ‘At-Tāriq’, refers to The Morning Star, a symbol of the ephemeral and transformative nature of sound in the cultures of the Arab world and North Africa. This exhibition is the result of Atoui’s in-depth research into rural musical traditions, with a special focus on the sounds of the Moroccan Atlas. For more than three years, the artist worked closely with local musicians, artisans and researchers, collecting recordings of songs, poems and oral narratives.

Until May, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is transformed into a large sound space with five majlis, traditional hospitality rooms of Arab homes. Each majlis has been reinterpreted by Atoui as a listening station where visitors can sit, relax and immerse themselves in the sound experience. The combination of traditional musical instruments, textiles, ceramics and sound sculptures creates a unique multisensory environment, where the materiality of sound is amplified by materials such as stone, bronze and ceramic. The sounds that unfold in each listening station are the result of an unconventional multi-channel composition, developed by Atoui from field recordings and experiments with electronic music.

An exhibition that connects tradition with contemporary experimentation, exploring how music can be reinvented through technology and intercultural dialogue.