Houston's new "Undercurrents" exhibit is worth the trip underground
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One of several microphones featured in the "Undercurrents" exhibit at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Photo: Jay R. Jordan/Axios
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern's "Undercurrents" is Houston's coolest new interactive art installation.
Why it matters: The exhibit gives Houstonians a unique opportunity to engage with the historic space's haunting acoustics and breathtaking views.
Catch up quick: The work features a mile-long LED lighting installation that crosses and encircles more than 220 concrete pillars that support the underground structure.
- The lights hover just over the water line near the bottom of the pillars, creating a prismatic echo chamber of light.
How it works: Every few minutes, poems play in sync with a visual show through the network of lights.
- Multimedia artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer selected works from Texas poets that represent the spirit of coming together during times of turmoil, he said.
The intrigue: The exhibit also gets visitors involved in a big way.
- Along the perimeter are several microphones connected to the grid where visitors can record a phrase (up to 15 seconds long) that gets "sent" into the network of lights.
- Sometimes your message returns to you, or it may be sent to another microphone like a message in a bottle.
- Based on the words you use, the recording may be coupled with a special message.
What they're saying: The exhibit "aims to create a choral work where live voice messages from participants are mixed with poetry," Lozano-Hemmer said in a statement about the exhibit.
💠Jay's thought bubble: When I toured "Undercurrents" last week, I was astonished by the intricacy and detail that went into bringing the exhibit to life.
- After watching a few visitors try the microphone feature — including one couple that offered up "6-7" into the void — I said "Axios" into one of the microphones.
- A light zipped from my position and circled a few pillars before exploding into a full-on display that incorporated the entire 87,500-square-foot space.
Pro tip: Having some phrases up your sleeve beforehand isn't a bad idea, but it's not necessary. Arrive openminded and with about 30 minutes to take in the full experience.
- Be sure to also bring sunglasses with you for when you emerge into the sunlight.
If you go: The exhibit is open Wednesday through Sunday until Jan. 24, 2027.
- Tickets are $15.