Lawrence Lek Unpacks the Emotional Fallout of Tech-Powered Futures in ‘NOX High-Rise’

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In the coming month, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles will unveil “NOX High-Rise,” an immersive art installation by Lawrence Lek from London. Spanning several galleries, this exhibition blends video, audio, and sculptures to delve into the changing function of artificial intelligence within modern city life. It poses pressing issues about autonomy, empathy, and the moral dilemmas that arise when coexisting with intelligent technology.

The setup centers around NOX, an abbreviation for “Nonhuman Excellence,” a hypothetical mental health clinic managed by tech titan Farsight Corporation. This facility specializes in rehabilitating autonomous vehicles when they display symptoms of emotional instability, similar to human psychological issues. These automobiles undergo therapeutic care before resuming their duties on the roads. The upcoming version of NOX High-Rise expands upon the 2023 unveiling of NOX at the LAS Art Foundation in Berlin, where the initial installment of his Sinofuturist universe was introduced.

Lek’s imagined clinic in the game combines soothing background sounds with science fiction themes to represent the ethical dilemmas related to artificial intelligence. By combining game design, storytelling, and architectural ideas, the artist builds intricate digital environments that explore the political implications of automation and the potential futures we’re approaching.

Apart from the “NOX High-Rise” exhibit, which runs from June 28 until November 16, Lek will also showcase films from the “Smart City” series, the foundation for “NOX,” on June 29. For further details about the exhibition and additional events, visit the museum’s website.

Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90024

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2025-05-29 23:26