Ellen Banks’ most recent exploration of contemporary synesthesia consists of a series of “Improvisations” (all works 1990) in the form of minimalist grids derived from the piano and vocal scores of Johannes Brahms. Three small mixed-media works on paper, entitled “Waltzes,” feature horizontal grids of acrylic, the color and geometric structure of which are derived from Brahms’ Opus 39. Two artist’s books, or “Songbooks” containing 12 and 25 pages are based respectively on Brahams’ songs “Dein blaues Auge” (Your blue eye) and “Bei dir sind meine Gedanken” (My thoughts are with you). Each handmade