Exhibition Information

			The Art Sonje Center is pleased to present Tarek Atoui: The Rain, an exhibition showcasing the works of Tarek Atoui, a distinguished artist and composer born in Beirut, Lebanon on November 3, 2024. Presently residing in Paris, France, Atoui’s exhibition will run from November 3, 2024, to January 21, 2024, marking his inaugural large-scale solo exhibition within South Korea.

Tarek Atoui: The Rain offers a unique fusion of Korean traditional percussion instruments and electronic soundscapes, introducing visitors to an entirely novel way of experiencing sound. Atoui’s journey began in 2019 when he embarked on a research expedition to South Korea. During this exploration, he developed a profound fascination with Korean traditional culture, extending his interest beyond traditional instruments to include ceramics, porcelain, hanji (traditional Korean paper), weaving, and more. Through collaborations with artisans, craftsmen, and scholars of traditional culture, he has created instruments and forms that reflect his distinctive artistic style.

In this exhibition, Atoui’s instruments defy convention. They produce sound through non-traditional means, foregoing the conventional striking method found in traditional percussion instruments such as muk (drum), daebug (large barrel drum), janggu (hourglass-shaped drum), ggwaenggwari (small handheld gong), and jing (gong). Each instrument incorporates embedded speakers, utilizes the vibrations of everyday objects placed on top of drums, and employs mechanical movements to orchestrate an ensemble of unique sounds. Tarek Atoui: The Rain transforms the museum space into a captivating new soundscape, inviting visitors to explore sound through a variety of sensory experiences.

About the Artist

Tarek Atoui (b.1980)

A sound performer, musician, and composer, Tarek Atoui challenges conventional modes of sound perception by creating custom electronic instruments, rooted in his exploration of global traditional instruments and music history. He has recently been dedicated to creating instruments that embody the concepts of change and cyclical patterns within the ancient elements of water, fire, earth, and air. Atoui’s career extends to the production of concerts, improvisational performances, and workshops. He has had solo exhibitions at institutions, including the New York Flag Art Foundation (2022), Tate Modern in London (2016), the Sydney Biennale (2020), and the Venice Biennale (2019).

(Source = Art Sonje Center)