An experimental art project called Rooms of Neighbours has opened in Peckham, South London, transforming ordinary domestic spaces into immersive artworks. The project, which runs until August 2026, invites visitors to explore a series of rooms that have been reimagined by artists, blurring the lines between art and everyday life.
What is Rooms of Neighbours?
Rooms of Neighbours is a collaborative initiative that turns private homes into public galleries. Each room in a terraced house has been assigned to a different artist, who has created a site-specific installation that responds to the space and its history. The project aims to challenge traditional notions of art viewing by placing artworks in intimate, lived-in environments.
According to curator Sarah Johnson, the project seeks to "break down the barriers between artist and audience, and between art and life." Visitors are encouraged to touch, sit, and interact with the installations, making the experience deeply personal.
Artists and Installations
Ten artists have contributed to Rooms of Neighbours, including emerging talents and established names. Among them is London-based artist James Lee, whose installation in the kitchen features a table set with ceramic dishes that play recorded conversations when touched. "I wanted to capture the essence of shared meals and the stories that unfold around them," Lee explained.
Another highlight is the bedroom installation by Maria Gonzalez, which uses light and sound to simulate the feeling of being in a dream. The room is filled with soft, shifting colors and ambient sounds, creating a meditative atmosphere.
Community Engagement
The project has involved local residents in its creation, with many offering their homes as venues. "It's about connecting people through art," said Johnson. "We've had neighbors who never spoke before now collaborating on installations."
Rooms of Neighbours is free to attend, but visitors must book timed slots to manage capacity. The project has already attracted significant interest, with over 2,000 bookings in its first week.
Impact and Reception
Early reviews have been positive, with critics praising the project's innovative approach. "It's a refreshing departure from the sterile white cube of traditional galleries," wrote art critic Emily Watson in The Guardian. "Rooms of Neighbours reminds us that art can be found in the most unexpected places."
The project is part of a broader trend of experiential art that prioritizes engagement over observation. As Johnson noted, "We want people to feel like they are part of the artwork, not just looking at it."
