As part of the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia (May 9 to November 22, 2026), NOUS Sonic is deployed in the Mystical Garden (Giardino Mistico) of the Holy See Pavilion. The installation enables a spatial, movement-sensitive audio experience that responds in real time to the movement of visitors, creating an individual and constantly evolving listening experience.

The pavilion, titled The Ear is the Eye of the Soul, is curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Ben Vickers, with artistic direction by Soundwalk Collective. Inspired by the life and legacy of Saint Hildegard of Bingen, newly commissioned works by composers, musicians, poets, and artists come together as a shared sonic composition. The garden itself becomes an active part of this soundscape: through a specially developed instrument, the plants’ bioelectric impulses are translated into sound, giving audible form to an otherwise invisible activity of nature.

Explore “The Ear is the Eye of the Soul”

Visitors are invited to move freely through the garden and discover the works individually via headphones. The soundscape unfolds through the interplay of movement, environment, and perception, turning the garden into a space for attentive and contemplative listening.

NOUS Sonic provides the technological foundation for the spatial audio experience. Connecting physical space and sound, the system enables an intuitive, screen-free encounter in which audio responds dynamically to the visitor’s position and movement. The project also marks the first outdoor implementation of NOUS Sonic, demonstrating the technology’s potential within open and complex environments.

Participating artists:

Alexander Kluge · Benedictine Nuns of the Abbey of St. Hildegard Eibingen · Bhanu Kapil · Brian Eno · Carminho · Caterina Barbieri · Devonté Hynes · FKA Twigs · Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst · Ilda David’ · 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