Collide

synaesthetic art installation

Collide is an exploration of motion, color, and sound, visualizing a synaesthetic experience of letting go and immersing oneself in the creative process. By transforming recorded motion data into abstract visuals and sound, the installation blurs the boundaries of time, space, and perception to uncover a new perspective on the human body and mind.

Inspired by the phenomenon of synaesthesia, Collide unites senses by combining painterly visuals with original chamber music. The visuals, derived from motion data, act as a conductor for the musical composition, creating a multisensory experience that reflects the feeling of being deeply engaged in the present moment.

The centerpiece of the installation is a 62-foot-long digital ribbon screen in Dolby’s lobby, offering a window into an abstract, dreamlike world. Ephemeral figures emerge from a colorful void, moving within a surreal environment of shapes and colors. The onsite 54-channel speaker system enhances the experience, allowing sound to travel dynamically through the space and envelop visitors in the creative vision.

The collision of visuals and sound lies at the heart of the work. Using virtual reality as both a compositional tool and source of inspiration, the soundscape was created by immersing a trio of cellists in the visual world of Collide via VR goggles. While physically sharing the same space, each musician played compositions while isolated in separate visual environments dictated by the animations. These visuals shaped the music’s dynamics, rhythm, and melody, merging acoustic and virtual realities into a cohesive performance.