Project 4

syn·es·the·sia also syn·aes·the·sia  (sns-thzh)

n.

1. A condition in which one type of stimulation evokes the sensation of another, as when the hearing of a sound produces the visualization of a color.

2. A sensation felt in one part of the body as a result of stimulus applied to another, as in referred pain.

3. The description of one kind of sense impression by using words that normally describe another.

 

Charles Burchfield’s Insect Chorus, 1917

Part One

1. Listen to the three distinctly different musical compositions (provided below)

A. Louis Armstrong and the All Stars 1947 “Rocking Chair”

B. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” – First Movement (the video portion of this would be better if it were Will Ferrel in a white wig)

C. Babatunde Olatunji “Primitive Fire”

1. Analyze and describe the music. Compile a list of words for each song (a total of 3 lists) that effectively describes their unique characteristics.  These words should differentiate one song from the next so avoid words that describe more than one song. Also, pay close attention to words that have connections to the visual world such as dark, fuzzy, or bold.

Part Two

1.     Find nonobjective visual parallels for each song. These can include clippings from ads, bits of nature, or personal sketches whose visual characteristics seem to suggest the song (or find things that look like the words on your lists). Example: an ornate line may communicate Mozart’s sounds. Bring the lists and at least TEN visual references FOR EACH SONG to class.  Be thoughtful and creative. Find the best examples you can for each song.

Part Three

1. Distill the visual information: Without using recognizable imagery, create a series of SIX thumbnail designs (4x6 inches) that express the unique feel and rhythm of one song. Be sure to consider the speed and frequency of the music and other relationships that are specific to that particular collection of sounds. Experiment with media such as paint, pastels, and/or collage to see if you can stumble on interesting parallels with the music.

Part Four

1.     Edit! Clarity is an important part of communication and aesthetics. Clean up the design’s direction by removing any items that conflict with your song’s identity or are without purpose.

2.     Using a size and format of your choice, paint, draw, collage, or assemble your final design for display.  (Yes you read this correctly. You may experiment more with media and materials in this project) Have fun!

Student Examples from Previous Semesters, can you guess which songs are represented?: