The Systematic Translation of Musical Compositions into Paintings

Jack Ox describes how she paints systematically from music. Selected musical compositions, which have included pieces by J. S. Bach, Stravinksy, Debussy and Bruckner as well as Gregorian Chant, are analyzed according to traditional music theory. Visual procedures are then determined in order to embody the musical information that emerges from the analysis. Imagery deemed appropriate to each composition is painted and then subjected to extensive reformulation. Ox has maintained a consistent procedure since she began rendering her music-to-painting translations in 1977. Her methods have become more complex as a result of her musical training and as she translates music of greater technical and conceptual complexity.