Summary:
- The Holy See pavilion features 24 artists including Patti Smith and Brian Eno.
- Hans Ulrich Obrist curates the exhibition with Ben Vickers and Soundwalk Collective.
- The installation spans two locations in Venice and focuses on sound.
The Venice Biennale hosts the Holy See exhibition featuring contemporary musicians. You will see contributions from FKA twigs, Brian Eno, Patti Smith, and Blood Orange. Hans Ulrich Obrist curates this project alongside Ben Vickers and Soundwalk Collective. They named the exhibition The Ear and the Eye of the Soul.
Hildegard von Bingen inspires the thematic direction. She lived during the twelfth century as an abbess. She composed music and wrote poetry. Benedict XVI proclaimed her a Doctor of the Church during 2012. Her historical influence frames the modern audio installations you experience here.
Twenty-four professionals provide unreleased material for the event. The roster includes musicians, film directors, poets, and architects. These individuals focus on the contemplative nature of sound. You listen to new audio pieces designed specifically for this environment. The curators divided the presentation across two distinct venues.
The first location sits within the Carmelitani Scalzi garden. You wear headphones to engage with an immersive audio environment. The outdoor setting provides a quiet space for your listening session. The sounds interact with your perception of the natural surroundings.
The second part takes place inside the Santa Maria Ausiliatrice complex. Alexander Kluge presents a video installation at this site. Visual elements accompany the auditory themes established in the garden. You observe how the organizers blend historical religious concepts with modern multimedia art.
The Holy See typically supports traditional art forms. This event introduces a different approach by involving pop and experimental music figures. The organizers present a clear shift in their cultural programming strategy. You witness a direct interaction between a traditional institution and modern creators.
The exhibition requires you to move between the two spaces. You should plan your visit to accommodate both the garden and the indoor complex. The audio segments demand focused attention. You experience a deliberate contrast between the ancient city and contemporary electronic soundscapes.
Brian Eno brings his background in ambient music. Patti Smith adds her experience mixing poetry with rock instrumentation. FKA twigs and Blood Orange represent modern alternative pop styles. The inclusion of these specific names draws attention from younger audiences. You find a mix of generations participating in the audio project.
Hildegard von Bingen acts as the historical anchor. Her medieval compositions explored spirituality through vocal arrangements. The contemporary artists respond to her legacy through their modern pieces. You notice parallels between her twelfth-century chants and the new ambient recordings.
The curators selected the Carmelitani Scalzi garden for specific reasons. The enclosed outdoor area isolates you from the typical Venetian crowds. You walk through the paths while listening to the curated tracks. The physical movement enhances your connection to the audio.
The transition to Santa Maria Ausiliatrice changes the dynamic. The indoor architecture alters the acoustic and visual atmosphere. Alexander Kluge provides a visual narrative complementing the audio focus. You view the moving images inside a structured historical building.
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