For the first time ever, the Park Avenue Tunnel is open to the public as part of a large scale light and sound installation. Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozana-Hemmer, known for his interactive works, transforms the conventional Park Avenue Tunnel into an energetic community for visitors to be immersed. Titled Voice Tunnel, the 1,400 foot long tunnel morphs into a lively community using 300 spotlights as arches of lights flash along the tunnel’s wall with the help of participant’s recorded voices. These short spurts of chaotic murmurs are followed by quick moments of silence.
In the middle of the tunnel, participants record statements into a monitor, which influences the entire experience. The louder the voice, the larger the light’s intensity is produced throughout the tunnel. Pedestrians who choose not to participate can listen to the multitude of statements on the 150 loudspeakers throughout the tunnel. Voice Tunnel is focused on constant change. Older voice recordings are eventually phased out making way for new statements.
Voice Tunnel is an event held in conjunction with Summer Streets and will be open to the public on August 3, 10 and 17 between the hours of 7AM and 1PM. Pedestrians enter the exhibit at 33rd Street and Park Avenue.
Images via Laughing Squid and CollabCubed.
