How this kaleidoscopic condition can help your life and career
Sydney Morning Herald
by Gary NunnFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Synaesthesia, a neurological condition where senses overlap, is gaining attention for its unique benefits in creativity and personal experience. Donna Cameron, a Melburnian with synaesthesia, describes how she sees letters and words in specific colors, like "Gary" appearing crimson due to dominant letters. This phenomenon, experienced by around 3-5% of the population, often manifests differently among individuals—some smell colors, others feel flavors or visualize music. Artists like Pharrell Williams, Billie Eilish, and Cynthia Erivo have harnessed synaesthesia to inspire their work, with Pharrell using it to determine if a tune is off-key and Erivo assigning colors to sounds.
The article highlights how synaesthesia is thriving in popular culture, featured in films like *The History of Sound* and TV shows like *All Her Fault*. Dr. Solange Glasser from the University of Melbourne notes that synaesthesia is more common among artists, with studies showing up to 25% of creative professionals having the condition. This suggests a link between sensory overlap and artistic expression, enriching their creative process.
While there are over 80 recognized forms of synaesthesia, such as ticker tape synaesthesia (seeing speech as subtitles) or spatial sequence synaesthesia (mapping dates or days in space), most people find it non-disruptive to daily life. For some, like Daniel Tammet, synaesthesia is a significant part of their identity and enhances cognitive functioning. However, Glasser emphasizes that it’s not a superpower but simply a difference in perception.
Understanding synaesthesia matters as it offers insights into human creativity, neurodiversity, and the potential for enhanced sensory experiences. For readers interested in the intersection of art and science, this condition highlights how differences in perception can lead to unique perspectives and innovations in various fields.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/23/2026