Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s Undercurrents will construct an immersive chamber of voices, light, and memories within the cavernous Cistern, leading to an audiovisual representation of communication across time, space, and relationships. The work consists of a mile-long, nerve-like network of bright-white LED light cables extending between the space’s 221 columns, suspended just over the mirrored surface of water covering the floor. The resulting matrix of zigzagging lines of light creates a seemingly endless “switchboard” of connection across the entire width and length of the Cistern, an effect which is doubled by the uncanny reflectivity of the water pooled at the bottom of this monumental piece of Houston’s infrastructural history.
Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s Undercurrents is the fifth site-specific art installation created for the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern.
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Undercurrents is organized by Buffalo Bayou Partnership with lead underwriting generously provided by The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation.
Major support provided by John R. Eckel, Jr. Foundation and VIA Art Fund with additional support provided by an Anonymous Donor; Mara and Erick Calderon; and Jereann Chaney. Buffalo Bayou Partnership is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. (Donors as of January 2026)
Project management and curatorial collaboration provided by Weingarten Art Group.