Swiss media artist Pipilotti Rist’s Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar promises a sensory journey unlike any other.

This immersive video installation is Rist’s first venture into the Middle East, and depicts the workings of the human brain in a multisensory show that symbolises humanity’s collective unconscious and the power of the mind.

Twelve thousand LED lights of varying shades take centrestage in a magical display as they mimic the firing neurons within the brain, programmed in choreography with a soundscape and video installation featuring abstract footage of Qatar’s landscapes.

Curated by Qatar Museums’ Curatorial Advisor, Tom Eccles, and the National Museum’s Head of Exhibitions, Bouthayna M Baltaji, the installation invites visitors to go on a journey of self-discovery through a sensory-rich experience that inspires introspection and awe. “In equal parts enlightening and enchanting, Pipilotti Rist’s spectacular installation invites us to recognise the array of emotions, interpretations and the sheer capacity the mind is able to absorb and withstand,” says Bouthayna.

Visitors are encouraged to disconnect from their personal devices in order to fully immerse themselves in the experience, allowing the installation to awaken dormant senses. Through her evocative use of light and sound, Pipilotti invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of the human condition and the interconnectedness of all beings.

Behind the scenes, she collaborated with a team of specialists, including lead light designer Kaori Kuwabara, to bring her visionary concepts to life. Together, they craft a symphony of light and sound that resonates with visitors on a profound level, transcending language and cultural barriers. Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You serves as a testament to the power of art in fostering cultural understanding and empathy.

“This work is both a collective and individual experience. We want to understand what is happening inside the brain of the other, and culture is the main way to try to understand each other beyond language,” says the artist.

As visitors journey through the ‘inside of the brain’, they are reminded of the importance of self-care and mindfulness. In conjunction with the exhibition, Qatar Museums offers an activity guide featuring brainteasers, mindfulness exercises and useful information to support mental health and well-being. Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You is on view at the National Museum of Qatar until April 30. Entrance to the exhibition is free with museum admission. ✤

GO: Visit https://qm.org.qa for more information.