When art steps out of the gallery and into our homes, something magical happens. It’s no longer just an object to admire from a distance; it becomes a part of our daily lives, a conversation starter, and a bridge between strangers. This is exactly what’s unfolding on a quiet street in Peckham, south-east London, where the Rooms of Neighbours project has turned ordinary houses into living galleries. But this isn’t just about art—it’s about community, connection, and the transformative power of creativity.
Art as a Social Glue
What makes this project particularly fascinating is its ability to break down barriers. Curator Ben Broome, inspired by the 1986 Chambres d’Amis exhibition in Ghent, didn’t just want to replicate the idea; he wanted to democratize it. In Ghent, the art was confined to the homes of art world insiders. In Peckham, it’s in the homes of council tenants, private homeowners, and everyone in between. Personally, I think this is where the project’s genius lies. It’s not about elitism; it’s about accessibility.
One thing that immediately stands out is how the residents have become co-creators. Take Pamela, a retired social worker who’s lived on the street for 40 years. She collaborated with artist Olukemi Lijadu to turn her family photos into collages that celebrate their shared Caribbean heritage. What this really suggests is that art isn’t just made for people—it’s made with them. Pamela now sees Lijadu as family, which raises a deeper question: Can art foster relationships that go beyond the transactional?
The Intimacy of Domestic Spaces
What many people don’t realize is how intimate it is to invite art into your home. It’s not just about hanging a painting on the wall; it’s about letting something new into your personal space. Artist Racheal Crowther created a motion-activated speaker for Raluca’s bathroom, designed to play calming sounds tailored to her cat’s frequency. If you take a step back and think about it, this is art that’s not just seen or heard—it’s felt. It’s embedded in the rhythms of daily life.
Ghislaine Leung’s mural, hidden behind a child’s cot, is another example. It’s not just a piece of art; it’s a statement about childcare and family dynamics. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it challenges the idea of art as something separate from life. It’s right there, in the most private of spaces, forcing us to confront its message every day.
Art as a Catalyst for Community
From my perspective, the most compelling aspect of Rooms of Neighbours is its ability to bring people together. Before the project, many residents had never spoken to each other. Now, they’re part of a WhatsApp group, sharing updates and planning BBQs around Liam Gillick’s architectural sculpture in the communal garden. This isn’t just art—it’s a social experiment.
Raheel Khan’s sound piece, inspired by William Blake and installed in Nigel’s convertible, is another standout. What this really suggests is that art can become part of the fabric of a place. Nigel now blasts the composition alongside his UK garage playlist, and it’s become a shared experience for the neighborhood. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the piece has been adapted to suit Nigel’s subwoofer—it’s art that’s been tailored to its environment, not the other way around.
The Future of Art in Civic Spaces
If you take a step back and think about it, projects like this are a response to the failures of institutional art spaces. As Broome points out, galleries and museums are increasingly out of touch with both artists and the public. Bringing art to people’s doorsteps isn’t just a novelty—it’s a necessity. Personally, I think this is the future of art: less about exclusivity, more about engagement.
Rirkrit Tiravanija’s ping-pong tables, now scuffed and tagged with graffiti, are a perfect example. The artist welcomes this wear and tear because it shows that the art is being lived with, not just looked at. This raises a deeper question: What if the goal of art isn’t to be preserved, but to be used, transformed, and made part of our lives?
Final Thoughts
Rooms of Neighbours isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a movement. It’s proof that art can be a catalyst for connection, a mirror to our lives, and a tool for social change. In a world where we’re increasingly isolated, projects like this remind us of the power of community. As Pamela said, it’s like a new world has been opened up. And in that world, art isn’t just something we look at—it’s something we live with, learn from, and grow with.
In my opinion, this is the kind of art that matters. It’s not about the next big sale or the next trendy gallery show. It’s about people, places, and the stories we share. And that, I think, is the most beautiful piece of art of all.
