Synesthesia and music medicine, in watercolours

A visualisation of the original piano composition by Natalie Trayling.

The composition is amazingly, improvised: as is the film. Or, as close as possible to improvisation working frame by frame.

A work with over 4000 watercolours, and 18 months of production, first developed in 2020.

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Studying colour theory this work references Synesthesia 'seeing the shapes of music',  8th century Egyptian painted circular notation: alternate ways to visualise music compilation 'Notations 21' by Sauer, and objects of meditation. Australian painter Roy de Maistre and his 'colour-music',  his charting of colour relativity:  And his contemporary Howard Kemp-Prossor and his theory of 'colour-medicine' in 1918, when he set to painting interiors for curing shell-shocked soldiers  'the ceiling firmament blue, walls sunlight yellow, woodwork Spring Green and floor and furniture primrose yellow...all the air is thrilling with the Spring'

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Immersed in music and soothed by colour: the last few years being calmed is our main mode of operation. ​

This film also pays homage to the abstract and highly synchronised films of Oskar Fischinger, especially his work  'An Optical Poem', 1938, and the work of Len Lye (1901-1980)

Composer Natalie Trayling (1934-2023) had an unconventional career for a highly trained classical pianist; she only played live, improvised, in public spaces. she became adored for her emotive performances. Usually performing near the intersection of Swanston St and Flinders Lane in Melbournes CBD, she also had years-long residencies in hotels, and 10 years in a major department store. She also played the pipe organ at the Melbourne Town Hall on a rare occasion, which is documented on her Youtube channel, which became a sensation as classical aficionados from all over the world made note and admired her talent. 

This collaborative work was created during the severe 2020-2021 lockdowns in Melbourne, which prevented her performative work. This song 'Among the People' was recorded live in Melbourne. Behind the recording, you can sense the presence of the people and the city by the street traffic, murmured conversations of passers-by, trams, and an ending exclamation of 'Bravo'. Indeed! To hear more work by Natalie Trayling, visit her Channel.

Supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants.