hljómsýnisfólkið

hljómsýnisfólkið, meaning "the audio-visual people" in Icelandic, refers to a group of artists and individuals who engage in the creation and exploration of synesthesia, particularly the phenomenon of chromesthesia, where sounds evoke visual experiences. This movement, primarily active in Iceland during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, sought to bridge the senses and create multi-sensory artistic expressions.

The core idea behind hljómsýnisfólkið was to explore the subjective and often deeply personal connections between auditory stimuli and visual perceptions. Members experimented with various media, including music, painting, digital art, and performance, to translate sonic landscapes into visual forms and vice versa. Their work often aimed to evoke emotions and atmospheres that transcended a single sensory modality, inviting audiences to experience art in a more holistic manner.

While not a formal organization with a strict manifesto, hljómsýnisfólkið represented a shared interest and a collaborative spirit among artists who were fascinated by the interplay of senses. Their exhibitions and performances often featured pieces where musicians would improvise based on visual art, or visual artists would create works directly inspired by musical compositions. The movement contributed to a broader conversation about perception, consciousness, and the potential for interdisciplinary artistic approaches.