What could be better than an engineer-turned-architect-turned-experimental composer? How about one that fought against the Axis of Evil and had his eye blown out by a tank?
Iannis Xenakis' show at the Drawing Center is quite simply off the hook. I suggest getting to it if you are going to be in New York between now and April and have a bit of time on your hands. While his drawings are the focus of the exhibition, the multimedia stations steal the show. In one booth, a computer program written by Xenakis simulates synesthesia by translating his 2-D structures into symphonic poems allowing the viewer/listener to "see" the music and "hear" the drawing. The effect was both striking and subtle, way more interesting than being comforted by the "stranger" after a long night cocktails and awkward conversation.
This video doesn't do it justice, but may give you an idea:
YES. Synesthesia is awesome. There are theories that all human babies have the capacity for it, but gradually are dulled by 'normal' behavioral models which compartmentalize the senses. Once again, I'm confused why we don't just get face tattoos and move to Alaska and call it a day.
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