Close encounters of the turbine kind as Tino Sehgal set for Tate Modern

Art & Culture — 23 July 2012

Tino Sehgal

From giant spiders to slides and a huge sun, Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall has been the privileged host of some of the most exciting art installations in recent memory.

“The Turbine Hall is so popular because it’s treated as a public space, so there’s no elitism about it,” says Tate curator Jessica Morgan.

The next commission for the huge space is by British-German artist Tino Sehgal. Dispensing with convention, his piece will be made up of live encounters, orchestrated by participants under his direction.

Sehgal’s work is “all about the notion of the encounter,” explains Morgan. “He has an ability to engage with an audience through choreography, singing, spoken word and conversations.”

So what can audiences expect? Morgan can’t say much, but she tells Scout that the work will “paint a picture of London”.

The participants, who were selected from workshops over two years, have been rehearsing in the space during Tate Modern’s closed hours. Morgan says: “Tino selected people of all ages and nationalities living in London, so the work will reflect the city.

“His work gives so much pleasure. It is endlessly surprising and different each time you experience it.”

Sehgal’s work is never officially recorded, so it is unlikely our suggestion is to get down to Tate Modern and experience it for yourself.