The Performance of Giving - 4D

Nov 9, 2020
2 min read

Synesthesia - "Someone with synesthesia might perceive certain letters and numbers with color. Synesthetes see characters just as others do (in whichever color actually displayed) but may simultaneously perceive colors as associated with or evoked by each one"

I fall under the category of a 'synesthetes' and I relate colors to numbers, letters, emotions, and even people. Almost everyone I meet is assigned a color in my mind. Most people have one color, but those closer to me usually have two or more assigned dominate colors. These change based off of mood, life season, and environment. For this assignment I decided to give my 4D class the gift of being seen.

First, I went to Ace Hardware and got paint chips of the specific colors that each individual represents. I then attached a note on the backside of the chip and explained why that person is that color and a positive trait that I appreciate about them. I then gifted each individual with a mini bouquet of flowers that represent another facet of their persona. I did not give an explanation of the flowers because I did not know the exact reasoning why each person received the bouquet they did, I just knew they were that flower. Also, the flowers gave the gift an even more personal touch and gave the performance the flair it needed.

Below are three images of the process and what it looked like while I was preparing each bouquet and what it looked like all together. After creating the color cards, I put together each mini bouquet and then paired them with all the people in my class that related with their persona.

Then, below, are just a few images of the people from my class that were open to me taking their picture with their gifts. After I handed out all the pieces and completed the whole performance I could feel the heavy emotions present in the group. I did not realize the impact that this piece would make, let alone cause people to cry or evoke such a strong emotional response. This response was far from negative and I am overjoyed to see the impact that this performance made.

Another main reason why I chose to do this is because I have felt so unseen and hidden for so long. I know what is it like to feel alone, unloved, rejected, and forgotten (at least to an extent). I have felt these emotions at some point, and from these experiences, I have realized half the world is feeling this in one form or another. I know for me, I feel the most seen when someone gives me something that says "I thought of you and bought this" or writes a note that explains what they love about me. These moments are far and few between, but when they come along I bottle them up and treasure the moment forever. I believe that everyone deserves to have this moment so I decided to gift everyone with this. A moment of being seen and appreciated. Everyone in this class has a unique gifting, calling, personality, quirks, humor, creative touch, etc. and I wanted to let them know that they are seen, heard, and appreciated.