Patti Smith and the Soundwalk Collective performed ritual texts and hymns by Saint Hildegard of Bingen on Wednesday at the Vatican Pavilion [1].
The performance occurred during the official opening of the Holy See's presence at the 61st Venice Biennale [1]. By blending medieval spiritual works with contemporary performance art, the event seeks to bridge historical religious devotion with modern artistic expression in one of the world's most prestigious art forums.
The ritual set focused on the works of Saint Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century mystic and composer [1]. Smith and the collective used these ancient texts to create an atmospheric experience intended to mark the inauguration of the Holy See's designated space within the exhibition [2].
Venice, Italy, serves as the backdrop for this iteration of the Biennale, where the Vatican Pavilion presents its specific curation for the 61st edition [1]. The collaboration between Smith, known for her avant-garde influence, and the Soundwalk Collective emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to the ritual performance [2].
This event is part of a broader effort by the Holy See to engage with the global art community through the Biennale's platform [2]. The use of 12th-century hymns provides a sonic link between the medieval origins of the church's artistic tradition, and the contemporary setting of the 2026 exhibition [1].
“Patti Smith and the Soundwalk Collective performed ritual texts and hymns by Saint Hildegard of Bingen”
The participation of a counter-culture icon like Patti Smith in the Holy See's official pavilion suggests a strategic effort by the Vatican to modernize its cultural outreach. By utilizing the 61st Venice Biennale to showcase a blend of 12th-century mysticism and modern performance, the church is positioning its historical legacy as a relevant component of the contemporary global art dialogue.
