Colour Study. Squares with Concentric Circles, Wassily Kandinsky, Watercolour, gouache and crayon on paper, 1913

“The sound of colours is so definite that it would be hard to find anyone who would express bright yellow with base notes, or dark lake with the treble.” Wassily Kandinsky

Understanding Synaesthesia: A Fascinating Union of the Senses

Synaesthesia is a truly fascinating condition, often described as “a union of the senses.” It’s not like the way most people experience their own senses separately, synesthetes experience two or more of the five senses involuntarily and automatically joined together. For example, some people with synaesthesia might see colours when they hear sounds or read words. Others might experience taste, smells, shapes, or touch in unique combinations. These sensory experiences are automatic and cannot be turned on or off, making life for synesthetes richly textured and distinct from those without the condition.

It’s important to note that synaesthesia is not an illness or a disease, nor is it harmful. In fact, many synesthetes feel they couldn’t imagine life without it. Their sensory world is a natural part of who they are.

To better understand synaesthesia, I referred to the UK Synaesthesia Association website. This non-profit organisation was founded by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, a leading researcher in developmental psychopathology at Cambridge University. The association unites scientists, researchers, students, and synesthetes to offer verifiable and reliable information on the phenomenon.

The UK Synaesthesia Association is supported by a dedicated committee of researchers and synesthetes. It regularly holds international conferences featuring eminent guest speakers from the fields of science and research, alongside synesthetes sharing their personal experiences. With a growing membership base, the association welcomes new members, whether they are synesthetes themselves or simply curious about this intriguing condition.

Through this research, it’s clear that synaesthesia offers a rare and vivid sensory experience, enriching the lives of those who have it and inspiring scientific curiosity around the world.

Online Source: https://uksynaesthesia.com/