Reflection 1 – Synesthesia
Find one representative example of synesthesia from popular culture (music, art, literature, etc.) and write a blog post explaining how synesthesia is present in this cultural artifact, what the significance of it is, and give your opinion on this artifact now that you have a better understanding of the phenomenon. Reference the reading in your response to make your case. Your reflection should be two to three paragraphs in length.
Synesthesia, as discussed in the book you mentioned, is a fascinating neurological phenomenon where the stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in another. It’s a unique blending of the senses.
Let’s consider a classic example from music: the work of the famous Russian composer Alexander Scriabin. Scriabin, a prominent figure in late Romantic and early modern music, is known for having had synesthetic experiences while composing. He claimed to see colors and shapes in his mind’s eye as he composed and played music.
These experiences deeply influenced his compositions, particularly in his later works, where he integrated color and light into his musical compositions. One of his most notable pieces with a synesthetic component is “Prometheus: The Poem of Fire.” In this composition, he introduced a color organ, a device that projected corresponding colors onto a screen as the music played. The significance of synesthesia in Scriabin’s music is aesthetically intriguing and a testament to the profound influence of neurological experiences on artistic creativity. It brings a whole new dimension to the appreciation of music, as listeners can imagine the visual elements that the composer himself envisioned. A better understanding of synesthesia enriches our interpretation of such works, highlighting the interplay between the senses and the power of art to transcend conventional boundaries.
Also, in today’s life, when we go to live house and listen to music, we can see there are changing images on the screen, and the lights also change their color shape, and direction with the music. It makes the live house more immersive, arousing many emotions in the audience.
In my opinion, this intersection of synesthesia and culture is a testament to the boundless potential of human perception and creativity. It’s a reminder that art can transcend the ordinary, making the artwork more vivid and immersive.