Rafael Lozano-Hemmer

Rafael Lozano-Hemmer is a Mexican electronic artist whose work spans the realms of architecture, technological theater and performance. Focusing on the urban environment, Lozano-Hemmer creates "relational architecture". Purposefully avoiding the cliche term interactive, Lozano-Hemmer intends his interventions to speak to a collective whole and defines them as "ephemeral experiences that establish architectural and social relationships where unpredicted behaviors may occur".



'Alzado Vectorial' (vectorial elevation) is an installation Lozano-Hemmer completed in Mexico City in 2007. This light sculpture consisted of 18 searchlights that were directed over Zocalo Square. The light shows that took place were all designed by spectators. Through a website (www.alzado.net), individuals could design a light show nd then watch it take place in real time. By creating another level of participation for the audience and by giving the viewers more authority, Lozano-Hemmer changes the perception of public pace; the public’s hand in creation is evident.



‘Pulse Front’ is a later installation Lozano-Hemmer finished in 2007 on Toronto’s Harbour Front. This light show is controlled by people’s heartbeats. There are multiple stations where onlookers can input their pulse and watch their beats along with others vibrate through the sky. This performance allows multiple composers to contribute to the show and begins to make relationships within members of the audience. ‘Pulse Front’ not only empowers the audience but also connects people to one another in new, strange ways.