A cluster of glowing, white geometric lanterns hangs against a black background. The faceted shapes vary in size and are lit from within, creating a soft, luminous effect.

Stunning new Design Museum show explores the future of digital memories

Words: Anya Lawrence
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Date: 4 September 2012; Work

Wander along London’s South Bank between now and mid-January and sooner or later you’ll stumble upon a giant perspex box containing a beautiful array of Swarovski crystals. But before you think an oligarch has left something behind, you’ll realise it’s part of the Design Museum’s new exhibition Digital Crystal (in association with Swarovski).

But what’s it all about?! Through the wonderfully extravagant medium of crystal (did the name give it away?) the exhibition explores the future of memories in an ever-developing digital age, questioning, through all manner of differing artist interpretations, how memory can be perceived in the digital world.

Featuring the work of 15 contemporary artists, you’ll find yourself immersed in an array of technology but the real treat has to be Pandora – the brainchild of avant-garde designers Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard. Formed of a understated (yeah right!) 2,000 suspended moving crystals, the piece continually deconstructs and recreates the traditional chandelier and, as the centre piece of the exhibition, it certainly hits the spot when it comes to the wow factor.

Digital Crystal runs until January 13 at The Design Museum.