Empty rooms, ambient noise and benches are all that comprise the new +ROOM-ROOM exhibit at the Henry Art Gallery. Upon taking the time to listen carefully, however, the greater significance of the work can be found.

+ROOM-ROOM is the brainchild of sound artists Yann Novak and Jamie Drouin; it uses two separate sound installations in visually identical rooms to challenge preconceived notions regarding space and sound. The exhibit focuses on ambient noise recorded in the two galleries.

“We’re always drawn to visual cues in spaces, but rarely do we pick up on the auditory cues that fulfill our experiences in environments,” Drouin said. “Every space has its own sonic signature.”

Drouin’s piece, “-ROOM”, uses deep tones of ambient noise to create a sense of foreboding. It is reductive in that it houses a ventilation system that takes in air and has a significantly lower temperature than its counterpart. Together with four-channnel dimensional surround sound, this creates a dark, ominous atmosphere.

“We were really fascinated by these two rooms,” Novak said. “Visually, they are almost identical, but we realized that they have very different feels.”

Novak’s “+ROOM” is additive in its outward ventilation system and warmer temperature. The white noise has much lighter tones, and creates a softer atmosphere.

“We take the same starting point, and what we end up doing with that is actually quite distinct,” Drouin said. “It’s almost a portrait of how we work.”

The two artists decided to work together on the project after meeting at the Henry for another event and becoming intrigued by the identical architectural spaces. After taking an interest in one another’s work, they began collaborating and returned last year to record the soundtracks in the gallery.

“They wanted to explore the sonic signature of the rooms and at the same time explore their own differences as sound artists,” associate curator Sara Krajewski said in introducing the artists’ Feb. 6 performance at the gallery.

The physical separation of the rooms and the differences in their atmospheres create two distinct experiences for viewers and listeners. While the theme of auditory-spatial perception resonates throughout the exhibit, each room is a study in the unique perspective of ambient sound.

“We’ve noticed a parallel where we elaborate on our work in very different ways,” Novak said. “There are all these layers of similarities that we started compiling and elaborating on.”

The artists note that their auditory exhibit is an unfamiliar medium for many patrons and acknowledge that it requires a different form of appreciation.

“The nature of sound work is that there is an investment of time required,” Drouin said. “We are asking the audience to slow down more than they usually would.”

The exhibit will be on display in the Henry Art Gallery through May 3.

Reach reporter Lexie Krell at arts@dailyuw.com.