Sophie Rickett's "To The River" at The Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol

As I entered the dark hall in which Rickett’s work was showcased, I felt completely enveloped by it. The atmospheric whispers of the viewers of the Severn Bore - a wave that rarely runs down the length of the River Severn - filled the room, coming from a total of twelve speakers dotted throughout. This was accompanied by several large screens (one shown below), upon which were shown clips of the spectators waiting on the river bank at night. Despite being the main reason for the subject's presence, there is very little emphasis on the landscape, with the bore never actually being filmed. Instead, the focus is placed upon the anticipation of the crowd in relation to this natural phenomenon.   

This was quite a surreal experience; standing in a large dark room, surrounded by others, wondering if it was the voices of the subjects I could hear or those of my fellow students. In this sense, the show is completely immersive, making you feel like you are among the group of excited bystanders.   

Spectators in the darkened space of Rickett's "To The River"