Sound of Hounslow: Free outdoor show at Bell Square

Sound of Hounslow is a free outdoor exhibition by Roshni Bhagotra that brings together different voices, memories, personal histories and shared experiences through a central soundscape. Presented by Watermans at Bell Square, Hounslow on Saturday 18th April, 12 Noon – 8pm, the day includes a special DJ set by artist, Roshni Bhagotra from 6pm.

Using sounds and stories, the exhibition explores the everyday, familiar and obscure sounds of Hounslow. The work has been developed in collaboration with the local community, inviting viewers to listen and tune into the rhythms and tones that shape how we move, connect and remember our environments.

Sound of Hounslow unfolds through three interconnected themes related to landscape, transit and musical heritage - each reflect a different part of the sonic landscape in Hounslow and the way we experience place, movement and belonging.

Across creative sessions, conversations, sound walks and community podcast recording sessions, participants from local community groups contributed their stories, took part in field recordings, reflections and collective improvisations.

Emerging from maps and navigation systems as a starting point and site of sonic investigation, geolocations and markers of sonic activity across the borough, on land, water and sky became a reference point for capturing sound.

Sound of Hounslow invites its audience to pause, listen and consider the familiar and at times obscure sounds that are present around us in new ways. Sitting within and alongside the community, environmental sound becomes part of the exhibition, blurring the boundaries between premeditated sounds and those within natural surroundings. At its core, this work is about recognising listening as a shared, communal act and sound as a way of connecting to place, story and one another.

Roshni Bhagotra will also give a live performance and listening experience sharing music, field recordings and gathered sound mixing selections from Roshni's personal record collection combined with sonic ambient extensions drawn from the Sound of Hounslow exhibition, such as those from planes, nature and wildlife within green spaces.

Jan Lennox, Director of Watermans says: “We are delighted to present this innovative exhibition celebrating the voices and sounds of our community. Roshni Bhagotra's work embodies Watermans’ values of inclusivity and creative imagination, challenging audiences to experience their environment in new ways. This project demonstrates how the arts can deepen our connection to place and to each other.”

Artist, Roshni Bhagotra adds: “Hounslow has a wealth and wide range of sound and stories, showcasing the borough's rich creative and cultural history. Often found in more obscure areas, using maps and navigation systems as a guide became integral to understanding the local landscape and community through sound mapping.”

Local community groups contributed to this exhibition such as the Hounslow Exhibition Collective, who co-created the exhibition brief and took part in recordings, and also the Hounslow Podcast Collective who participated and supported community podcast recordings.

Watermans gratefully acknowledges the contribution of Creative People and Places Hounslow towards the development and preparation of this project, especially establishing links with local communities in Hounslow.

Sound of Hounslow is presented by Watermans and curated by Klio Krajewska.

Sound of Hounslow – Transit tonalities in situRoshni BhagotraBell Square18th April, 12 noon – 8pm (6pm special DJ set)