"Evidence": the immersive and spellbinding exhibition by Patti Smith & Soundwalk Collective at the Centre Pompidou

Attention all Patti Smith fans! The American artist, who has an undisguised passion for France, is once again making a stopover in the capital. But this time, don't expect to hear her rocking out her politically committed songs surrounded by her faithful band. No. This autumn, the icon of the New York rock scene joins forces with the Soundwalk Collective to present an original, multidisciplinary exhibition, specially conceived for the Centre Pompidou. Entitled"Evidence", from October 20, 2022 to March 6, 2023, this installation invites us to take part in a fascinating and spellbinding experience, both musical and spiritual.

For three months, Patti Smith and the Soundwalk Collective will plunge visitors into a poetic and immersive quest they won't soon forget. The"Evidence" installation features sounds, films, abstract images, objects and creations collected during the Soundwalk Collective's various travels, juxtaposed with photographs, texts and original works by Patti Smith.

Before beginning this totally unique immersive exhibition, visitors are given a pair of headphones at the entrance to the room. Once the headphones are on, the experience really begins with the sound of birdsong.

Then it's on to the famous room, where video projections, wall-mounted objects (drawings, photographs, paintings... by Patti Smith and Stephan Crasneanscki) and original works created in situ all come together. The whole of this exploratory installation is carried by an enchanting, even shamanic, soundtrack that echoes in our ears. A variety of sounds (the sound of a creaking door, rain, wind in the trees, wind chimes...) evolve as we move through the room, or rather depending on where we are and where we are in the room. The sound we hear also varies according to our position (seated or standing). As you can see, Patti Smith and the Soundwalk Collective invite visitors to sit back, take their time and experience the installation as a true sensory experience.

Take a seat on stone benches or wooden planks and let yourself be carried away by images that invite you to travel: from the Sierra Tarahumara in Mexico to the mountains of Abyssinia in Ethiopia, via the Himalayas in India... the landscapes are manifold. And then, of course, from time to time, Patti Smith whispers words in our ears that take on their full meaning here. The American artist, who has the power to declaim poems like no one else, hypnotizes us to the point of wanting to prolong this experience for hours on end.

Patti Smith and Soundwalk Collective have a long history of collaboration. Between 2019 and 2021, the American artist and Stephan Crasneanscki (founder of the experimental Soundwalk Collective) joined forces on several occasions to create"Perfect Vision", a triptych of albums (including "The Peyote Dance", "Mummer Love" and "Peradam") inspired by the texts of three legendary French poets: Antonin Artaud, Arthur Rimbaud and René Daumal.

Produced in collaboration with Russell Elevado, Leonardo Heiblum, Nicolas Becker and Soundwalk Collective member Simone Merli, each album follows in the footsteps of these three lost poets, through sonic and musical landscapes sublimated by Patti Smith's unique voice. Needless to say, the American artist is not only a musician and singer, but also a renowned poet, as demonstrated by the publication of"Présages d'innocence", her first book of poems. From October 20, 2022 to March 6, 2023, poetry, music and art in all its diversity will take center stage in Paris at the"Evidence" exhibition. It's a physical, visual and sonic journey that's not to be missed!

• To be read
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And to crown this event, the Centre Pompidou is offering an exclusive associated program. On October 22, lucky visitors were treated to an exclusive live performance by the Soundwalk Collective and Patti Smith. Patti Smith, Stephan Crasneanscki and Simone Merli from Soundwalk Collective were joined by a number of guests for this performance, which can be relived here, and paid tribute to the three"Perfect Vision" albums.