Interactive, digital, giant robotic snakes all words that no doubt cause a mild level of salivation in the SF HQ. It just so happens that the Barbican’s latest exhibition includes all of the above. Digital Revolution, is an incredibly comprehensive and sprawling exhibition that would entice even the most ardent technophobe.

Three rooms provide an overwhelming immersive experience. As you descend into the tech darkness of the first room you’re greeted by an array of treasured digital classics. Atari, Pong and Pacman bring out the very worst of you, summoning your most primal competitive inner beast. After you’ve gotten over the giddy childlike excitement of it all, you’re suddenly so aware of where it all started. What can only be described by today’s standards, as humble beginnings. Chronologically you’re taken on a journey, where everything starts to become a bit more ‘civilised’  as you move through the space. Films like Gravity and Inception are laid bare and the whole process is carefully but accessibly explained to you.

There’s not really a ‘behind the velvet rope’ type of curating with this exhibition, everyone is invited to interact and get hands on. Nothing says in your face like a 6ft Will.i.am head in full Egyptian headdress, dubbed by the man himself as ‘the Mona Lisa times a trillion’. In fact, he might not be too far from the truth. It’s not something you’ll forget in a hurry. What got us going were the numerous times to capture your portrait, we enjoyed the early type of digital ‘photo booth’ which produced your image onto a slip of paper in code. The other interesting piece was by Rafeal Lozano-Hemmer entitled ‘The Year’s Midnight’ which acts as a digital mirror which ‘captures’ your eyes and replace your own (in the mirror) with smoke trails. Probably the most Instagram inducing piece was Chris Milk’s ‘The Treasury of The Sanctuary’, a haunting instillation which sees the user being transformed into a flock of birds and finally a bird themselves. Hauntingly beautiful.

The final rooms showcased a variety of indie gaming and wearable tech. Penultimately building you up to go to the depths of the Barbican to the final room. Darkened and with health warnings you know it’s going to be good. Usman Haque and Dot Samsen did not disappoint with ‘Assemblance’, letting you interact with others to shape and manipulate three-dimensional beams of light.

Digital Revolution is a unique and energetic triumph. An exhibition with such attention to detail while still remaining engaging will surely stand the test of time as one of the Barbican’s most successful exhibitions.  Our word of advice, this exhibition is thorough to say the least, so make sure you use your allotted time wisely.

Digital Revolution is on until 14th September.

Been inspired by Digital Revolution and have an idea in mind? Visit our Projects page to see that we don’t just do photo booths.