Award-Winning Artist Justin Wiggan Brings the Hidden Voices of the Earth to Andover
This summer, Andover audiences are invited to step into the unseen, unheard world beneath their feet and around them, as acclaimed sound artist Justin Wiggan presents a series of interactive workshops and performances exploring the living voice of the Earth.
Through the innovative practice of biosonification—the transformation of natural processes into sound—Justin invites participants to discover what soil, plants, sea, and even fire have to say. From hands-on activities to immersive performance, these events blend science, creativity, and reflection for all ages.
This programme is part funded by Chapel Arts Studios (CAS) and forms part of Andover Trees United’s Disappearing Wildflowers Project, which raises awareness of local biodiversity loss and celebrates creative ways of connecting with the natural world.
Event 1: Sounds of the Soil Workshop
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Harmony Woods, Andover, Hampshire
What does soil sound like? This interactive workshop invites families, students, and curious minds to tune into the hidden life beneath our feet. Using biosonification devices, participants will compare sounds from soils of different environments and reflect on what they reveal about ecosystems, health, and human impact.
Highlights:
Hands-on sound exploration with soils from woodland, grassland, gardens, and more
Live listening sessions exploring soil health and environmental change
Creative reflection through “soil graffiti” and soil-based sculpture
Event 2: The Earth Has a Voice – Live Performance
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 (Evening)
Andover Museum, Andover, Hampshire
In this unique evening event, Justin shares his journey as an artist and “sonic detective,” weaving together science, sound, and storytelling. Audiences will hear recordings of soil, sea, plants, and fire, experience live demonstrations of biosonification, and enjoy an immersive live sonic performance.
Highlights:
Artist story and creative journey
Sound excerpts from past biosonification projects
Live demonstration with Q&A
Short live performance
Event 3: Sounds of the Soil Workshop – Town Centre Edition
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Andover Town Centre
Bringing the wonder of soil soundscapes to the heart of Andover, this drop-in workshop offers a playful, hands-on experience. Visitors can stop by to listen, experiment, and create with soil in an accessible and family-friendly format.
Highlights:
Drop-in sound testing and comparison
Interactive discussions on ecosystems and environmental change
Soil graffiti and sculpture activities for all ages
Tickets & Booking
Tickets are available now via Eventbrite or by emailing wendy.davis@andovertrees.org.uk.
Come and discover how listening differently can transform the way we connect to the world around us.
About Justin Wiggan
Justin Wiggan is an award-winning sound artist and educator whose work explores the intersection of science, sound, and sensory experience. Known as a “sonic detective,” he has created internationally recognised projects that reveal the hidden voices of the natural world.