Synesthesia and the Arts

The term “synesthesia” has often been used metaphorically rather than accurately. Ongoing scientific research shows the condition to be “real,” rather than imagined. The author focuses her discussion on the effects of colorsound synesthesia, or “chromesthesia,” and on a selection of composers and visual artists. The composers discussed include Alexander Scriabin, Olivier Messiaen and Michael Torke. Visual artists discussed include Robert Delaunay and David Hockney.