Can sound heal? Inside Overtones, the Israel Museum exhibition turning sound into an art form

The Israel Museum's "Overtones: Sound and Art" exhibition, curated by Talia Amar, explores sound as an art form, featuring diverse works from musical instruments used unconventionally to unique sound-producing methods. A key component is an audio walk in the Billy Rose Art Garden, guided by artist Meital Covo. This "audio walk" is a performative experience designed to immerse participants in the garden's sculptures and the panoramic views of Jerusalem, while also engaging with Covo's "Archive of the Soul" project. The archive, started in 2024, collects vocal recordings from the public expressing emotions related to the Hamas attack and ongoing conflict, offering a "personal commemorative act." Covo emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment, stating, "For me, the work does not exist by its own right. It needs to encounter a person." The exhibition aims to provide a remedial experience, encouraging considered listening and emotional processing through sound and art.