Technology in Art: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer on Large Scale Interactive Installations

Technology meets art as Ceri is joined by Mexican-Canadian media artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, whose works are in collections worldwide such as MoMA, Guggenheim, TATE, Reina Sofía, and Hirshhorn. He shares his journey from nightclub owner's son to internationally acclaimed artist and how it shaped his unique approach to creating participatory experiences. From transforming the US-Mexico border to making climate change audible through 481 speakers, Rafael gives his thoughts about managing ADHD, building a successful studio, and the delicate balance of working with major brands while maintaining artistic integrity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Early exposure to nightclub culture and theatrical environments influenced Rafael's approach to creating participatory art installations that come alive only when people engage with them.
• The democratisation of technology has transformed media art from being institution dependent to being more accessible, leading to an explosion of digital creation worldwide.
• Managing ADHD has been both a challenge and an asset for Rafael; he credits his condition for helping him work under pressure and maintain the necessary denial to tackle seemingly impossible projects.
• The artist's studio operates like a theatrical production, with Rafael as director rather than a solitary creator, involving specialists from 10 different countries.
• Environmental consciousness has become central to his practice, including scientific collaboration to minimise the impact on migratory birds and transition to more sustainable technologies.
• Rafael uses three key filters for project selection: intellectual/philosophical interest, time investment required, and economics, maintaining about 20% of work as non-profit.
• The relationship between art and corporate sponsorship requires careful navigation to maintain artistic legitimacy while ensuring financial sustainability.
• Art institutions face a tension between meaningful engagement with digital art and the temptation to use technology merely for spectacle and attendance numbers.

BEST MOMENTS

 "My talent is more in getting teams together. And there is a name for this, it's like a theatrical director... there's still a vision, it's the director's vision, that is followed."

"Ultimately what I'm interested in art is in creating a good party, it is only when people come in that the party really begins, it really is dependent on participation."

"I got off of Ritalin so that I could continue a life of denial because it's the only way to lie to yourself that these things can actually be accomplished."

"I am not interested in growth. I want de-growth...I don't want to become a massive company, but what I do want is not to grow in personnel or space. I want to grow in time."

"The genius artist who did something and then out of this one idea created a career doesn't exist. It's the perseverance."

"You'll never be satisfied. You'll always think that the next artwork is better than anything you've done in the past."

EPISODE RESOURCES

@lozanohemmer

https://www.lozano-hemmer.com/

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

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