
Akima Brackeen
Sonic Impressions explores the intersections of sound, space, and time to investigate how architectural environments influence auditory experiences and shape collective identity and memory. Drawing from Pauline Oliveros’s theories of quantum listening, mindfulness practices, and Black spatial traditions, this project positions listening as a political act that uncovers narratives of presence, erasure, and resilience. Through field research at historically aquatic and resonant spaces, I will document and analyze the acoustic properties of spaces using recording, photography, reflective writing, and sound-to-visual translation techniques. The findings will culminate in a publicly accessible online resource featuring narrative drawings, audio recordings, and spatialized maps that reveal the sonic and material layers of Rome, offering fresh insights into the role of water and sound in shaping communal and individual experiences.