Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Ben Vickers and realized in collaboration with Soundwalk Collective, The Ear is the Eye of the Soul unfolds across two venues in Venice: The Mystical Garden of the Discalced Carmelites, Cannaregio, and the Complesso di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, Castello. Conceived in response to Koyo Kouoh’s curatorial proposition for Biennale Arte 2026 to slow down and attune to a quieter register, the exhibition takes the form of a sonic prayer, a call to the contemplative act of listening, inspired by the life and legacy of Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), medieval abbess, poet, healer and composer. The participating artists are:
The Mystical Garden of the Discalced Carmelites:
Bhanu Kapil, Brian Eno, Carminho, Caterina Barbieri, Devonté Hynes, FKA Twigs, Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst, Jim Jarmusch, Kali Malone, Kazu Makino, Laraaji, Meredith Monk, Moor Mother, Otobong Nkanga, Patti Smith, Precious Okoyomon, Raúl Zurita, Soundwalk Collective, Suzanne Ciani, Terry Riley, Benedictine Nuns of the Abbey of St. Hildegard Eibingen.
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Santa Maria Ausiliatrice Complex:
Alexander Kluge, Ilda David', Tatiana Bilbao
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+ your guide to the Venice Biennale 2026
+ about Soundwalk Collective & Patti Smith