MIF19: Atmospheric Memory at Science and Industry Museum

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor

Book now

Atmospheric Memory at Science and Industry Museum

6-21 July 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

MIF19 Atmospheric Memory at Science and Industry Museum Manchester International Festival 2019
Photo: Miguel Legault/Antimodular
Book now

“The air itself is one vast library, on whose pages are for ever written all that man has ever said or woman whispered,” wrote the esteemed English mathematician, philosopher and early computer pioneer, Charles Babbage, in 1838. Over 180 years later, Mexican-Canadian electronic artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer sets out to investigate this captivating proposition with an ambitious artwork and sensory performance titled Atmospheric Memory.

Part of Manchester International Festival 2019, the immersive installation at the Science and Industry Museum will attempt to discover whether Babbage’s theory was correct. Can we rewind the movement of the air to recreate lost voices of the past? And, if so, which voices would we most want to hear from?

Presented in a custom-built structure neighbouring MOSI’s historic 1830 railway warehouse, the commission will combine cutting-edge technology and classic phantasmagorical effects to mine the air for turbulence caused by speech, then transform these lingering traces into manifestations available to human perception – from trails of vapour and ripples on water through to epic 360-degree projections.

Lozano-Hemmer studied physical chemistry at Concordia University in Montreal before going on to become an internationally renowned contemporary artist, and his public installations typically combine technology, architecture and performance in fascinating new ways. In 2009, his piece ‘Levels of Nothingness’ at the Guggenheim in New York connected voice with colour by inviting visitors to speak into a computer that projected their vocal traits across the room. His earlier project, ‘Vectorial Elevation’ (1999), meanwhile, perhaps constitutes the largest interactive artwork ever made, involving 800,000 participants to create a series of searchlight sculptures above Mexico City.

Forming a key strand of MIF 2019’s visual art programme, Atmospheric Memory promises to provide an unforgettable meditation on the imperceptible richness of our sonic environment and the residual stories that continue to echo throughout the years.

Where to go near MIF19: Atmospheric Memory at Science and Industry Museum

Manchester
Restaurant
Teppanyaki Chinatown

A Japanese teppanyaki restaurant in the centre of Chinatown. The focus is on high-quality food with a minimum of theatrics. It doesn’t disappoint.

Manchester
Music venue
Castlefield Bowl

The Castlefield Bowl is an outdoor events pavilion in the inner city conservation area of Castlefield in Manchester. The 8000-capacity arena is often used for food festivals and music events.

Great John Street Hotel in Spinningfields in Manchester.
Castlefield
Hotel
Great John Street Hotel

A converted Victorian school house nestled on the edge of Spinningfields, the Great John Street Hotel has a relaxed and decadent atmosphere.

Castlefield
Bar or Pub
Cask

Cask is a well-loved pub on Liverpool Road in Manchester. It has an excellent selection of continental beers and a cosy beer garden.

Castlefield
Event venue
Castlefield Viaduct

Launching in summer 2022, the National Trust and Twelve Architects and Masterplanners will be bringing a new lease of life to Castlefield Viaduct.

Campfield Open Day-3
Castlefield
Event venue
Campfield Market Hall

Having undergone years of transformative and restorative work, the complex will now be known as Campfield Mega Campus, Manchester’s most ambitious creative-tech destination.

Manchester
Restaurant
Fenix

Modern Greek Mediterranean cuisine from the team behind Tattu.

Altrincham
Shop
IDAHO

Every piece in IDAHO has something special and will guarantee to make your homes, offices and wardrobes feel a little more inspiring.

Castlefield
Theatre
Versa Manchester Studios

Formerly the Old Granada Studios, VERSA Manchester Studios is evolving into a dynamic Studio Campus with TV, Film, Motion Capture and VR / AR Studios alongside a glamorous new Soho House.

What's on: Exhibitions

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.