In a conversation covering industrialisation, the climate crisis, collective memory, and digital surveillance, hear how artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer found connection with Babbage’s radical ideas and how his own work intersects with the Powerhouse collection – including Babbage’s visionary Difference Engine (1823) and the Cooke and Wheatstone telegraph (1837–1842).

Lozano-Hemmer's use of technology in his practice creates critical dialogues about the interconnectedness of art and science. Having received a degree in Chemistry and working as an artist for thirty years, Lozano-Hemmer will present his artistic approaches and experiments within the fields of robotics, AI, nanotechnology and fluid dynamics.

Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s breathtaking immersive art environment is inspired by computing pioneer Charles Babbage's concept of air containing a 'vast library' of every word ever spoken. This exhilarating show uses cutting-edge technologies and theatrical effects to create atmospheres filled with voices and history.

Rafael Lozano-Hemmer is a media artist working with ideas from architecture and performance. He was the first artist to officially represent Mexico at the Venice Biennale with a monographic exhibition in 2007.

Matthew Connell is the Director of Curatorial, Collections and Programs but he has been a curator at the Powerhouse since 1991, working in the fields of computing and mathematics, information technologies, physical science, and engineering.

Booking essential. Ticket includes entry to Atmospheric Memory.