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The sound of colors is so definite that it would be hard to find anyone who would express bright yellow with bass notes or dark lake with treble.
Wassily Kandinsky
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Kandinsky suggests that colors evoke specific auditory sensations, linking visual and auditory experiences in a profound way.

In this quote, Wassily Kandinsky emphasizes the strong connection between colors and sounds, noting that people commonly associate certain colors with particular musical notes. For instance, bright yellow is likely to be associated with deeper tones while darker hues like 'dark lake' would resonate with higher pitches, illustrating the unique and personal nature of sensory perceptions in understanding art.

Themes

ColorSoundArtPerceptionEmotion

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a presentation about synesthesia in art.

More from Wassily Kandinsky

The true work of art is born from the 'artist': a mysterious, enigmatic, and mystical creation. It detaches itself from him, it acquires an autonomous life, becomes a personality, an independent subject, animated with a spiritual breath, the living subject of a real existence of being.
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The artist must have something to say, for mastery over form is not his goal but rather the adapting of form to its inner meaning.
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The more abstract is form, the more clear and direct its appeal.
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All methods are sacred if they are internally necessary. All methods are sins if they are not justified by internal necessity.
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Every man who steeps himself in the spiritual possibilities of his heart is a valuable helper in the building of the spiritual pyramid which will someday reach to heaven.
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