Review: A Mesmerizing Dive into the Ethereal “Atmospheric Memory”

Powerhouse Museum “Atmospheric Memory”, October 12

Reviewed by Sanne de Kramer

I had the privilege of experiencing the “Atmospheric Memory” exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney last week, and I was left utterly captivated by the stunning marriage of art and science that unfolded before my eyes. Inspired by Charles Babbage’s visionary notion that the very air we breathe holds the memories of all words ever spoken, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer has crafted a remarkable multisensory experience that defies description.

As I stepped into the exhibition space, I found myself immediately transported into a realm that felt both familiar and otherworldly. The room seemed to pulse with the energy of countless voices, as if the air itself were whispering secrets of the past. The concept of an ‘atmospheric library’ came to life as the invisible threads of human communication materialized around me.

One of the most striking features of the exhibition was the use of light and sound to create a truly immersive environment. Interactivity was a key element of the exhibit. Visitors could interact with the installation, using their own voices to trigger ripples of color and sound that spread through the space. It was a profound reminder of our own place within this vast repository of human expression.

The sense of scale was awe-inspiring. Lozano-Hemmer’s work succeeded in making the intangible, tangible. The ethereal quality of the “Atmospheric Memory” was juxtaposed with the concrete reality of the technology at play. It left me contemplating the very essence of memory and the intersection of art, science, and human experience.

The “Atmospheric Memory” exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum is a true testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries. It challenges our understanding of memory, history, and the interconnectedness of our voices through time. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a science aficionado, or simply curious about the mysteries of the human experience, this exhibition is an absolute must-see.

In a world that often seems increasingly digital and disconnected, “Atmospheric Memory” is a poignant reminder of the enduring beauty of human expression and the profound ways in which it leaves its mark on the world.

You can have a look yourself at Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo. The exhibition is now till the 5th of November.