In 2021, artist Martin Newth was commissioned by the Creative People & Places Hounslow Visual Arts Programme to create a new film project with local people, exploring Hounslow’s identity, geography, culture and history.
Together with Martin, the community was invited to explore Hounslow, uncovering stories of the borough and bringing them to life through moving image. This project began with Martin Newth exploring Hounslow to create a film essay. This piece of work titled ‘In Transit’ explores narratives of shifts and changes; migration, culture and modes of travel, as well as historical and contemporary depictions of Hounslow by artists throughout the ages.
Martin then extended an open invitation to the community to watch his film, and respond to it, by making their own short films through a series of workshops. Contributions came from local artists, community leaders and students at Heathlands School. The films they created reflect on cultural diversity and harmony, as well as the rich history, and the urban beauty to be found in Hounslow.
The resulting film ‘Depictions of Hounslow’ brings together the community responses and Martin’s film to create a multi-faceted look at Hounslow through the eyes of the people who live here. In a further development of the project, this exhibition of stills and photographs from the film show the varying themes and threads that are woven together to create a new depiction of Hounslow.
Participants: Aemun Rehman Bhatti, Bushra Bhatti, Gerald Curtis, Huda Miyanji and Kaia D’Souza, Jessica Santos De’Oliveira, Manveer Wahda, Maryam Hassan and Sukhmeet Sidana, Peter Bennett, Rohita Jonnalagadda, Sabeeha Rehman Bhatti, Sangeeta Weatherley
