Stone Speakers: our test of the volcanic, sensory experience at the Palais de Tokyo

A singular immersive experience, between art and science... The Palais de Tokyo is devoting an exhibition-experience to Julian Charrière, entitled Stone Speakers - Les bruits de la terre, from October 17, 2024 to January 5, 2025. The Franco-Swiss artist invites visitors to plunge into a volcanic landscape, at the heart of which resonates the deep murmurs of the planet. A multi-sensory experience, between art and science...

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In this site-specific exhibition, Julian Charrière uses an ambisonic installation to capture the sounds of volcanoes in regions as far-flung as Indonesia, Iceland and Sicily. These recordings give voice to the bowels of the earth, depicting a vibrant, living world where tectonic plates and tides intermingle. The artist creates a " parliament of volcanoes ", a space where telluric dialogues are amplified to remind us that the planet is much more than just an inert mass, but a geological actor in perpetual motion.

Known for his interdisciplinary approach, Julian Charrière combines performance, sculpture and video to blur the boundaries between art and science. His expeditions, carried out in collaboration with scientists, philosophers and art historians, are at the origin of his works. This approach enables him to question the notion of nature through the prism of Romanticism and theAnthropocene, offering a reflection on the way humanity shapes and perceives its environment.

An experience we were able to try out. At the entrance, you're asked to take off your shoes, to live the experience to the full. Once past the curtain, you find yourself in the dark, in a small group (maximum 19 people at any one time), around an imposing volcanic rock. All around, sounds and vibrations accompany you (hence the shoeless entrance) for an unparalleled immersion experience. You can sit on the ground, or lie down to feel the volcanic vibrations. A must-see experience if you're passing through the Palais de Tokyo, whether you're a contemporary art lover or simply a volcano enthusiast.

An invitation to rethink our relationship with the planet, exploring alternative narratives about the Earth's geological past, present and future. And a great day out for lovers of contemporary art and nature, at the Palais de Tokyo.