Phosphenes

The word phosphene is derived from the Greek words phos (light) and phainein (to show). Phosphenes are the phenomenon of a person seeing light without light actually entering the eye. Although there are many ways to induce phosphenes, the most common method is by putting pressure or rubbing on or near the closed eyes. This mechanical stimulation can produce a wide variety of different phosphene effects from diffuse colored patches, to well-defined shapes, shifting geometric patterns, grids of light, and dark fields with small specks of color splashed across them. All of these different forms are “seen” by the mind’s eye as the retinaeare stimulated, even in a completely darkened room.

As a kid, I was fascinated by this phenomenon. I had no idea what it was called or if anybody else could see these things, but I would spend hours pressing the heels of my hands to my eyes so I could observe the different types of patterns that would be created. In fact, I did it so often I managed to give myself black eyes on several occasions (try explaining that one to your parents!) While I don’t do it very often anymore, every once in a while, I’ll take my hands and press them up against my closed eyes, still intrigued by the magical sight of shapes and patterns dancing across my darkened field of vision.

“Phosphenes” starts with a shimmering synthesizer texture with a variety of whooshes swirling around the frequency spectrum. As the piece moves through the different sections, new timbres are added to simulate different patterns and shapes. Some textures are harsh, distorted and diffuse while others are more clear, colorful and organized. To create some of the electronic percussion sound, a variety of audio filters were “pinged” using high-voltage trigger signals. Generative modular synth patches were used to create many of the ever-changing fields of color. The clarinet provides the prospective of the viewer, reacting to the shifting colors and textures of the phosphenes.