450XL: A Silent movie. Lawrence Abu Hamdan (2026). Production Still.
Turner Prize-winning artist Lawrence Abu Hamdan transformed our Centre into a dynamic, interdisciplinary platform exploring the urgent and evolving concept of sonic justice.
Over four days, Repercussions brought together an installation, performances, screenings, panel discussions and live music to examine the impact of sound, from the harmful damage of noise pollution to the subversive power of silence.
Often describing himself as a 'Private Ear', Abu Hamdan’s work in audio analysis and aural testimony has reshaped how sonic evidence is mined and understood. His investigations into various crimes and human rights abuses, conducted through his not-for-profit Earshot, have been used by major news organisations, NGOs and grassroots community groups. He then uses installation, video, and live performance to reflect and meditate on the wider political, social and cultural implications of his investigations.
For Repercussions, Abu Hamdan reshaped the Barbican into a site for listening, reflection and shared inquiry.
Book two ticketed events as part of the Lawrence Abu Hamdan: Repercussions and get 20% off, book three and get 30% off.
Repercussions is generously supported by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a Donor Advised Fund, held at The Prism Charitable Trust. 450XL: A silent movie by Lawrence Abu Hamdan is commissioned by the Barbican and FIGURA with additional support from the Commissioning Council and the Fondazione In Between Art Film.
Founding members of the Commissioning Council include: Anastasia Bukhman/Bukhman Foundation, Stephanie Camu, Aarti Lohia/SP Lohia Foundation, Mark and Dana Strong, Tia Collection and Brian Yue & Claire Bi/Cheng-Lan Foundation.
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About Earshot
Earshot is the world's first non-profit organisation using sound in the defense of human and environmental rights.
Building on over a decade of research and advocacy, Earshot transforms sound into a tool of justice and restores the soundtrack as a site of evidentiary power. From the sharp crack of gunfire to the oppressive hum of drones, our investigations treat sound as both an acoustic trace of violence and a means of control.
In under three years, Earshot's investigations have provided facts for over 30 major media outlets, including Al Jazeera, the BBC, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Middle East Eye, Sky News and Le Monde, and have supported advocacy campaigns by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, B'Tselem, Forbidden Stories, and Global Rights Compliance.
Through original research and investigative cases — often collaborating with journalists and human rights organisations — Earshot demonstrates how sound can expose abuse, shift public perception, and amplify voices too often unheard. By embedding itself in a wider ecosystem of media outlets, legal teams, activist networks, and human rights organisations, Earshot produces expert audio evidence no other organisation is equipped to deliver — strengthening calls for accountability in courtrooms, public forums, and international advocacy campaigns.
