Altered Seas, Altered States is a video project meant for dome projection that provides a portal to the changing seas around us. Images of pristine shores and vibrant cascades are altered by color shifts that hint at the synesthesia of composer Alexander Scriabin, whose Sonata #5 undergirds the imagery. Spherical distortions embedded in the circular form nod to the dysphoric state of our climate, while human shadows hint at the hopeful reach of a new generation. It was first created for a live concert in a small planetarium with pianist Lauri Young,
In this piece, the role of industrial pollution brackets images of the Indian Ocean around Isla de la Reunion, near Madagascar. Human shadows interact with images of the sea. Some are individuals, casting their shadows on the water, others are dual figures, one gently guiding the other. At times the sea is crystal clear and benign, where coral is just barely alive. At other times it rushes into land, as it does around the world, with the human shadow falling over it. The state of the ocean and humankind are intricately interwoven.
The colors are exaggerated, reflecting the life of the composer of the music: Alexander Scriabin. He believed in synesthesia and clearly saw colors relating to notes in his score. His sonata #5 was written in 1907 and is both dramatic and delicate. The visuals of this piece followed hearing his music in conversation with the pianist who will play it live (and in this video.
Altered Seas/ Altered States
Video by Claudia Esslinger
Music by Alexander Scriabin
Piano by Lauri Young
Vimeo Link