Janet Cardiff: The Forty Part Motet

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine has long been recognized as a space to gather that encourages dialogue on the issues of the day. In our current cultural and political climate we seem to have lost the ability to engage in constructive conversations around differing viewpoints. It seems that we are no longer able to really listen to each other.

In Janet Cardiff's sound installation, situated in the North Transept, forty separately recorded voices are played back through forty speakers strategically placed throughout the space. Visitors are encouraged to move about the space to gain different perspectives on the work. The piece exemplifies the value of listening carefully and with intention, traits that we hope might be carried outside of the Cathedral and into our everyday lives.

On loan from the collection of The Museum of Modern Art
On view September 13 - December 31, 2024.

Included with Admission to the Cathedral during regular open house:
Monday - Saturday, 9:30am - 5pm
Sunday, 12pm - 4pm

Please note that the exhibition will be closed the following days/times:
Tuesday, December 24th - Closing at 3:30pm
Wednesday, December 25th - Open 12pm - 4pm
Tuesday, December 31st - Closing at 2:30pm