In the light of the readings that we have done over the past weeks, the concept of synesthesia fascinates me. As a neurological phenomenon, synesthesia varies among people. Some people might find the condition is abnormal, but it has in fact aroused interests among scientists and artists alike.
Here I’d like to shed some light on synesthesia’s influence in modern art. As a brief overview, neurologist Richard Cytowic provides the following criteria for synesthesia (although this list might vary depending on his text or book) :
Synesthesia is involuntary and automatic .
Synesthetic perceptions are spatially extended, meaning they often have a sense of “location.” For example, synesthetes speak of “looking at” or “going to” a particular place to attend to the experience.
Synesthetic percepts are consistent and generic (i.e., simple rather than pictorial).
Synesthesia is highly memorable .
Synesthesia is laden with affect.
At the turn of the twentieth century, many artists sought to abstract the sensations of synesthesia in their art that marked some of the most important changes in the way colour and form were approached. So not only was it a highly visual transformation, but it demonstrated the need for people to express themselves in certain ways as changes erupted in society. Synesthesia art historically can typically be recognised expressions such as visual music or seeing sounds. It’s a multi-sensory experience, which I think is interesting to consider in our world today that is so integrated with technology. Do we see, feel, or hear the same way we used to?
Synesthesia encompasses many fields that provokes thought in philosophy, art and science among others. As we move along this course, I am excited to see the importance of balancing knowledge and practice within art and science – the former I am passionate about and the latter highly curious to learn more of. The class, in short, encapsulates to a great extent what our liberal arts education is about.
http://hyperallergic.com/94548/when-color-becomes-sound-and-vice-versa/
http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/277/2/d/painting__the_talisman_by_xperionity-d4zzyr2.jpg