As a professional visual artist I'm definitely intrigued by the novelty of this topic in this forum. hilde45's comment of needing open space for the mind is worth thinking about. Even before we bring audio equipment into the picture we're subconsciously processing spatial cues through sound all the time, creating models of our environments. Visual art can alter our relationship to space in dramatic ways. Music heard through speakers can do so as well. What's important isn't simply the physical space they share, but rather how our minds' image of this space is affected by these two distinct art forms. Thanks for opening up a discussion of how visual art and music can entangle themselves in the form of new and surprising experiences. We are our own best test subjects for these experiments!
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.
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"...Any time I walk into a silent room, I feel compelled to turn something on to make the silence go away..." "Sounds like an interesting case for a therapist." My thoughts as well. When I go into a quiet space it is as if my entire body relaxes. The silence is so comforting. I am privileged enough to have a forest near by and each day I take the dogs for a walk. The suburban sounds are muted and I can feel my inner peace overflowing. I love how the music (symphony hall or home audio room) can slowly come out of the hush. |
I also have some family portraits in my listening area. I say keep it up. Thanks for your comments. I agree with the idea that we should pay attention to everything involved in the experience if we can. A whole complex combines to make the experience for me. Sometimes I do close my eyes, but I start from and return to a certain space, with certain atmospherics. I wonder if anyone here has added smell to the equation – an infuser with nice scents? That would be another experiment in synethesia and/or atmosphere.
I listened to your clip – I'm amazed, but your system sounds just like my macbook's speakers! |
@hilde45 - Absolutely smell counts too, especially if it smells like cannabis! |
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