At a glance
Everyday malfunctions like leaks and broken parts become the instruments for an unpredictable symphony of light and sound within a sweeping concrete gallery.
Meet the artist
Why go
Mohri crafts a site-specific ecosystem that responds to the Barbican’s brutalist bones, repurposing materials found within the building to create a self-governing, rhythmic environment.
You'll see
Kinetic sculptures · Found objects · Improvised sound systems · Light installations · Site-responsive mechanisms
Pace of visit
The experience relies on the slow movement of mechanical parts, making it a space for quiet observation rather than a quick walkthrough.
Don't miss
The way the installation interacts with the distinctive 90-metre sweep of The Curve's architecture.
Artlovers Tip
Spend enough time for the mechanisms to complete a full cycle; the subtle sounds and movements evolve, rewarding those who stay for more than a few minutes.
Inside the exhibition
In Concert — Yuko Mohri at The Curve, Barbican in London, England, transforms technical failures into a delicate, living orchestra. The Japanese artist occupies the gallery's distinctive semicircular space with a site-responsive installation that finds beauty in instability, using light and sound to animate a series of mechanical interventions.
The display features kinetic sculptures and found objects arranged into improvised systems. Mohri incorporates materials sourced directly from the Barbican, building a network where moisture, gravity, and electrical currents trigger unpredictable sensory events. These low-tech mechanisms turn the idea of a building's leakage or repair into a purposeful, evolving composition.
This commission highlights Mohri’s interest in how environments self-organize. By moving away from static art toward a constant state of flux, the exhibition encourages visitors to notice the hidden rhythms of the surrounding architecture. It is a rare chance to see the Barbican's famous brutalist interior become an active participant in a soundscape.
Worth travelling for?
A rewarding stop for fans of experimental music and kinetic art who enjoy seeing how specific architecture can dictate the rhythm of a gallery visit.
Experience as an Artlover
Admission to this commission in The Curve is free; check the Barbican website for daily opening hours before visiting.
In Concert — Yuko Mohri
Artlovers relevance
Plan your visit
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