Pushing the limits of listening – Mono celebrates 20 years of sonic experimentation
For nearly 20 years, Lawrence English’s Mono series has brought adventurous sound artists to the Institute of Modern Art. The 2026 program continues that legacy, welcoming international and local performers pushing the boundaries of experimental music.
For much of his career, Lawrence English has been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sound – not just with his own compositions via his label Room40, but also in a live setting, showcasing the sensory possibilities of sound to audiences.
Since 2006, Lawrence’s experimental sound program Mono (housed at the Institute of Modern Art in Fortitude Valley) has brought an eclectic mix of performers to Brisbane, each conjuring immersive atmospheres – some serene, others visceral and transgressive.
Over the past two decades, Mono has evolved into an institution, a vital part of Brisbane’s cultural underground that has endured as the city has evolved and grown. The series has brought the likes of Xiu Xiu, Eiko Ishibashi, Phantom Chips and Lucas Abela, to name a few, and in 2026 the team is looking to up the ante with a slate of top-notch emerging international and national talent.
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The program kicked off last month with appearances by Nick Klein, a Berlin-based artist, and local atmospheric-pop artist Fatshaudi, followed by the return of noise music pioneer Merzbow, whose dense and harsh soundscapes consume and envelop audiences.
On Sunday March 22, avant-pop artist Tujiko Noriko will be heading to Brisbane for Mono 59, employing techniques that transform music and voice in real time, upending the possibilities of songcraft with deconstructed harmony, lyrical interplay and a hearty dose of chaotic noise.
Joining Tujiko Noriko will be Portland-born, Brisbane-based artist Unregistered Master Builder (Joseph Burgess), whose work mixes textiles, sound and kinetic art. Tickets are available now via the IMA website.
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