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the colour of music







Black music notes sprinkled across a white page have their own beauty deeply rooted in tradition and history. However, I am always intrigued by news ways to visualize music – particularly with colour. Designer Laia Clos, of Barcelona’s Mot Studio, created a visual language called “SisTeMu” that turns every note of music into a system of geometric shapes and bright colours. Laia has explored several pieces of music in creating this language but perhaps most notable is her interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Using the lead violin position, a system of colours are used as musical notes and the tempo of the music dictates the size and placement of the circles. While I can’t say I completely understand SisTeMu, Laia’s language really gives a sense of “seeing” music in a uniquely mesmerizing and colourful way. I would love to get my hands on Laia’s booklet explaining how the system works! I would also love to see this idea applied to modern music. Can you imagine a gorgeous coffee table book devoted to the hits of The Beatles, U2 or similarly iconic artists? Hmm… perhaps one day a conductor will ask his orchestra to start again from the turquoise section!

(you can buy limited edition posters and stamps from mot’s store)
(images via mot studio & co design)

POSTED ON July 4, 2011

LABELS: artists & designers, graphic design, in the details, many colours, music, film & tv   3 Comments   Tweet This

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pingback: Start of Coded Paragraph… | joeysplanting on March 15, 2012

2 comments

Catriana
July 4, 2011 at 1:11 pm


Holy moly!! This is so cool!

Suzanne
July 4, 2011 at 4:39 pm


This is fascinating! Love your comment about starting from the turquoise section!

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