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Sonic correlations with art in the listening space

I’ve been doing some serious listening room optimization lately and wanted to share some findings that I think will genuinely move the needle for people.

I started with a Van Gogh Starry Night print on the front wall. The effect was immediately apparent — the soundstage became more active and forward, treble took on an aggressive, almost agitated quality, and there was a swirling, turbulent energy in the upper midrange that I can only describe as "post-impressionistic." Bass was present but restless. Not unpleasant, but fatiguing over long sessions.

I swapped in a Monet Water Lilies — same frame, same wall position, same listening chair. The transformation was remarkable. Highs rolled off beautifully, the whole presentation became more diffuse and liquid, with a kind of shimmering quality in the upper frequencies that never hardened. Soundstage depth increased noticeably. Jazz and classical particularly benefited. Vocals floated with an almost pond-like serenity.

I’m currently experimenting with a Rothko — early results suggest a warm, enveloping midrange with somewhat ill-defined edges, though the color temperature of the piece may be a confounding variable. A Mondrian is on order and I’m expecting tight, articulate bass with excellent channel separation.

Has anyone else explored this? I feel like the art/acoustics interaction is seriously underexplored in this hobby. Would love to hear other findings. Measurements welcome but I’m not sure the Klippel can capture this yet.

P.S. But seriously – I AM curious about the effect of decor on your overall listening experiences. I am making a joke above, but I do spend time tweaking my lighting and other things and seeing how impacts of visual art on mood effect listening experience.

hilde45
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,506 posts
 

Good observation.

I can’t say I tried something like The Scream by Edvard Munch, or a Jackson Pollock. I think I understood intuitively what would be good for me.  I purposefully have gravitated towards meditative dark calming environment. So I have oriental rugs in deep burgundy, browns and blacks. You can see my venue under my userID. Also, indirect dim lighting for listening. 

I have been a number of audio rooms where I was just plain uncomfortable. But often the music this person gravitated toward was aggressive and or disharmonic. 

I would imagine most folks don’t think about it consciously and gravitate towards something that matches their personality, but they do. Or if they don’t they are a bit tone deaf on their environment. I have a friend that has not a single painting, wall hanging or any kind of decoration on their large 3,000 sq foot house. 

 

 My dealer friend said that folks personality tends to match the personality of the owner. A persons that prices Chopin’s nocturnes will have a different system and environment than someone that loves The Clash.

In thinking about it, I think you are observing the tenants of interior decorating. That is what it is about, matching your personailty with a combination of colors, shapes an styles that makes you feel good... which is different for different people. I am sure there are folks that would love to own a Hitler for their dungeon. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,125 posts
 

GIK acoustics used to make artwork acoustic panels. Not sure they still do but worth looking into. Kill two birds

billstevenson
1,222 posts
 

I don't know what good this would do if the serious listening is done with eyes closed.  Nevertheless, I am inspired to get some new art to try.  

tablejockey
4,407 posts
 

Architect Digest aesthetic + a pair of speakers with the goal of nearing audiophool SQ-is that possible?

Mindful speaker design choice and S.O. approval can get you there😂

hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
6,046 posts
 

Personally, I'd like to be able to look out at the trees and sky. Being in a windowless space makes it harder to want to go isolate in. But the basement's concrete floor does a lot of good for being low vibration.

Aesthetically, I suppose I prefer dim lighting and a painting without much meaningful content -- the more abstract the better. Let the music bring the meanings.

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