Tarek Atoui (Beirut, Lebanon, 1980; lives and works in Paris) is an artist and electroacoustic composer who explores the medium of sound and the way it gives shape to perceptions through dynamic installations, experimental acoustic environments, and collaborative performances. Atoui works with composers and craftsmen from different countries to invent complex instruments with strong sculptural halos. By bringing together a wide range of materials and knowledge he tests the acoustic properties and the unique ways in which elements like bronze, water, glass and stone transmit and reflect sound. Using custom-built electronic instruments and computers, Atoui references current social and political realities, revealing music and new technologies as powerful aspects of expression and identity. Education and social connection are integral to Atoui's practice; he often collaborates with local communities and invites visitors to interact with his multi-sensory environments.
He has presented solo shows at numerous major institutions around the world such as IMMA, Dublin (2026); Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, Madrid (2025); Hangar Bicocca, Milano (2025); RCU, Al'Ula (2025-26); KUB, Bregenz (2024); S.M.A.K., Ghent (2024); GfZK, Leipzig (2024), Cukrarna, Ljubljana (2024), Art Sonje Center, Seoul (2023); IAC- Institut d'Art Contemporain, Villeurbanne (2023); Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney (2023); The Contemporary Austin, Texas (2022); the FLAG Art Foundation, New York (2022); Fridericianum, Kassel (2020); Fondation Serralves, Porto (2022); MUDAM, Luxembourg (2022); Sharjah Art Foundation, UAE (2021); NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore (2018); Bergen Assembly (2016).
He also presented his performances in renowned institutions like Kunstenfestivaldesarts, Brussels (2025 & 2017); Dreamcity, Tunis (2023); Palazzo Grassi e Punta della Dogana – Pinault Collection, Venice (2019); Para Site, Hong Kong (2017); Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Castello di Rivoli, Turin (2017); Tate Modern, London (2016); Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris (2014-15); Serpentine Gallery, London (2012); Performa 11, New York (2011).
He was also featured in major international group shows including DesertXAlula (2026); Haus Der Kunst, Munich (2025); 13th Taipei Biennial (2023); 17th Istanbul Biennial (2022); Bourse du Commerce - Pinault Collection, Paris (2021); 13th Gwangju Biennial, South Korea (2021); the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis (2019); the 58th International Art Exhibition, Venice Biennial (2019); Schirn Kunsthalle, Frankfurt (2019); Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, Moscow (2018); Fondazione Prada, Ca' Corner della Regina, Venice (2014); dOCUMENTA 13, Kassel (2012); New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York (2010); the Ninth Sharjah Biennial (2009); the Mediacity Biennial, Seoul (2010).
Tarek Atoui's works are part of several collections, notably the Tate Modern's, MATHAF, Guggenheim collection, IAC Villeurbanne, TBA21, Monaco Museum's, Sharjah collection, Pinault collection, French national collection and Kadist's.