ARTIST STATEMENT - SARAH KRANING

“What does sound look like? My work is an exploration of this question. Born with synesthesia, I perceive all sound as vibrant colors, patterns, textures, and movement. The beauty of sound has always been overwhelming to me, and I’ve had a deep desire to share these soundscapes with others my whole life. However, synesthesia being a relatively misunderstood trait, I kept this to myself for many years.

After posting one of my music artworks on social media a few years ago, I was overwhelmed by the response. Regardless of whether viewers had synesthesia, people connected to these visuals of sound in a way that opened my eyes to how connected we are as a world. At the beating heart of humanity, regardless of language or perceived cultural divide, we connect deeply and viscerally to sound.

With my work, I aspire to capture another layer of the beauty of sound that is often unseen, and to encourage viewers to become curious about the many different ways we perceive the world. Through painting performances alongside musicians, immersive audio-visual displays, and personal social media content, I seek to show the unseen beauty of sound as vividly and accurately as I can.

Beyond translating music into visuals, my work is also a call for awareness and action. I incorporate elements of nature and acoustic science, bridging the gap between art and environmental consciousness. Through collaborations with musicians, sound designers, and climate organizations, I create immersive experiences that reflect both the beauty of sound and the urgent need to protect the planet.

At its core, my art is about connection—between senses, between people, and between the seen and the unseen. I aim to spark curiosity, evoke emotion, and remind us of the invisible forces that shape our world.”