brian eno & jiri prihoda collaborate on immersive sound installation in prague

ambient sounds and subtle play of natural light compose NAVE

NAVE exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague is a collaborative work by music pioneer Brian Eno and designer Jiri Prihoda that unveils an immersive experience. The exhibition, the second joint installation between the two artists after 25 years, showcases a unique fusion of sound, light, and architectural elements within the gallery’s neo-renaissance space. Visitors encounter a transformative journey filled with evolving soundscapes, guided by the sculptural installation, and the subtle play of light. A large suspended ornate room opens up spilling natural daylight from above. Soft-tonal ambient sounds and primal chanting embrace the space drawing visitors inwards.

all images by Ondřej Polák

Immersive Soundscapes embrace the Sculptural Installation

Eno‘s sound ambient compositions and Prihoda‘s sculptural structures intertwine, inviting viewers to explore introspection, reflection, and a profound connection with the evolving space. The exhibition, hosted by Galerie Rudolfinum, challenges conventional notions of art and demands an in-person visit to fully grasp its multi-sensory impact. The duo envisions NAVE as a vessel for contemplation, inviting participants to pause, reflect, and be transported to new realms of thought and emotion. The subtle and at times eerie sounds emerging from the central temple-like object give off a meditative feeling.

Asked about the title of the site-specific installation referring to the nave, central part of a church or cathedral, Brian Eno comments: ‘I think NAVE is really good. I like the ghostly look of the fabric used, and the feeling of silence that the vast space has. I want to offer music that seems to increase that silence and stillness’.

NAVE exhibition unveils an immersive multi-sensorary experience

the artwork showcases a unique fusion of sound, light, and architectural elements

a large suspended ornate room opens up spilling natural daylight from above

NAVE is envisioned as a vessel for contemplation, introspection, and reflection

evolving soundscapes are guided by the sculptural installation

the exhibition unfolds within the gallery’s neo-renaissance space

Eno’s sound ambient compositions and Prihoda’s sculptural structures intertwine within the space

project info:

name: NAVE
designer: Jiri Prihoda | @prihoda.ars

musician: Brian Eno | @brianeno

host: Galerie Rudolfinum | @galerierudolfinum

location: Prague, Czech Republic

photography: Ondřej Polák

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom