Gallery Visio: Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Synesthesia
October 3-November 14, 2012
Opening Reception October 3, 4-7pm

An interactive photography exhibit with selected works by Rebecca Haas.

Imagine looking at a field and instantly tasting chocolate, or hearing the sound of a bird which results in a sudden flash of the color yellow. These are examples of a condition known as Synesthesia, in which one sense instantly triggers one or more senses. The word Synesthesia originates from two Greek words, syn (together), and aesthesis (perception), which means “joined perception”. Synesthesia can be experienced in various forms, such as uniting simple items as shapes, letters and numbers, or even people’s names with a specific sensory function. Scientists are still researching and discovering more about this condition; however, it appears to affect people at various ages, races and genders.

Rebecca introduces the audience to a neurological condition that may afflict some, yet unknown to most. The acknowledgement of this condition may not only challenge the viewer to consider various examples of Synesthesia, but to contemplate the ease or difficulty that one may encounter on a daily basis These photographs are not a true representation of the condition, but were partly inspired while creating art with children and adults affected with autism or developmental disabilities. Rebecca’s exhibit captures the portraits of women that include an emphasis on movement, color and texture. Rebecca states, “…my series is inspired by some surreal concepts. The images are odd and dreamlike. Some came from dreams, but most images appear to me during the first stage of sleep, somewhere in between my conscious and unconscious mind”.

Rebecca has taken great care to recreate her photographs in the gallery. By incorporating live art, and with the help of make-up artist Jessica Dana, the viewer will be fully immersed in the artwork. Rebecca explains, “I want the viewer to have a complete experience that entices all the senses”. Her expressive and surreal use of the senses combined with dramatic lighting result in a dreamlike, or rather fantasy quality. Haas graduated from UMSL in 2010 with a BFA in photography. Since 2008 she has been working as a professional photographer in St. Louis capturing weddings, portraits, sports and other personal projects.

Gallery Visio (at the University of Missouri–St. Louis)
170 Millennium Student Center
One University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121-4400
www.umsl.edu/~galvisio