Synesthesthetes Unite

August 4, 2013 — #synesthesia, art

Science and art collide in the syesthesthetes. Color and odor are so closely related, as are color and taste.  Sensory criss crossing is the particular talent of the synesthetes.  To know what color or flavor an hour of the dawn is one must identify across the senses.  This identification is natural to some, and can be enhanced through practice.  Blind tasting is, in a way, a chance to create your own vision by tasting and smelling.  Leonardo de Vinci called synesthesia one of his core values.  Indian musicians compose ragas to be played at specific times of day and seasons of the year, like liturgy.  When you enter a church with an ornate decorative style to hear chanting and smell incense you are being trained to cross your senses. Here is  quiz to test your own synesthesia.

This device is used in art and literature to create a sensual background.  If I write about cool colors or ice-cold professionalism, I ask you to feel the adjective.  If I tell you the characters were swept away emotionally by the full moon and the soft ocean breeze, I want you to feel the set.  Music videos evoke a feeling that is produced to add dimension to the songs.  Here is one that is straight up color, geometry and sound.  Enjoy!