This piece is Helena Chywski’s visual interpretation of Flower Duet from Léo Delibes’ opera Lakmé, inspired by the hauntingly beautiful rendition by Dame Joan Sutherland and Jane Berbié.
Through her auditory-visual and auditory-tactile synesthesia, Helena experiences music as a cascade of vivid colors, textures, and physical sensations. In this painting, she captures the dominant symbol evoked by Sutherland’s soaring soprano, layered with the soft, intertwining textures of both voices.
"Flower Duet" holds deep personal meaning. It brings Helena back to quiet spring walks through Central Park, where classical music played in her ears as flowers bloomed and sunlight danced through the trees. The high, delicate notes of the duet felt like petals brushing against her skin — causing goosebumps and subtle tingles that ripple through this work.
This painting is both a tribute to a timeless composition and a glimpse into the way Helena uniquely sees and feels sound. It was featured in the 2025 New York Art Expo, where it was part of her "Sound Breaks. Color Explodes" collection.
