Rafael Lozano-Hemmer's Voice Tunnel Transforms Park Avenue Passage with Interactive Light and Sound
During Summer Streets 2013, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer's Voice Tunnel turned the Park Avenue tunnel in New York City, located between East 33rd and East 40th Streets, into an engaging experience for pedestrians. This 1,400-foot long tunnel showcased 300 theatrical spotlights that responded to public voice recordings, generating dynamic light patterns along the walls. Every few seconds, large speakers emitted a varied mix of these recordings, including confessions, love messages, random sounds, and foreign languages. Periodically, the installation would immerse visitors in total darkness and silence, providing a stark contrast to the preceding auditory chaos. The last chance to explore Voice Tunnel was on Saturday, August 17th, 2013, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, accessible at 33rd Street and Park Avenue.
Key facts
- Voice Tunnel was created by Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
- The installation transformed the 1,400-foot Park Avenue tunnel in New York City
- It featured 300 theatrical spotlights modulated by public voice recordings
- Large speakers played rotating recordings including confessions and foreign languages
- The work was part of New York City Summer Streets 2013
- Final viewing was August 17th, 2013 from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Entrance was at 33rd Street and Park Avenue
- The installation combined interactive design, engineering, and performance art
Entities
Artists
- Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
- ANNA SHUKEYLO
Institutions
- ARTCRITICAL
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Park Avenue
- East 33rd Street
- East 40th Street
- 33rd Street