Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, born in 1967 in Mexico City, graduated from Concordia University with a B.Sc in Physical Chemistry. His works, which are mostly huge installations in public spaces, make use of computers, lights, sounds, projections, sensors in an effective way to encourage the audience to interact with the artworks, thus connecting not only the audience to the space and technology but also the individuals within the audience. Rafael's biggest intention as an artist is to make people aware of their environment and participate actively within the community.
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The political or corporate takeover of the city takes place in such insidious ways. Everywhere we look there is advertising. Left outside of this system is us, the consumers. Short of graffiti or skateboarding, how else do we form part of the city?"
My favourite work is
Body Movies. It uses strong lights to cast passers-by's shadows on a wall which contains a projected image of static portraits. The image changes once all the portraits have been discovered.
Playing with your shadow is one of the things that comes naturally to you. Now playing with your shadow together with other people's shadows to tell a story makes it even more interesting and entertaining. Hence the artwork does not require much or any explanation for the audience to start understanding and interacting with it. Body Movies is an incredible artwork which brings people together using fun, creativity and teamwork. It's funny and very enjoyable to see how people can give a performance in a public space and communicate(sometimes with strangers) without having to say a word and without them even realising that they are the heart of the artwork.
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If no one participates, then the piece does not exist."
Body Movies
Interview with Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
