“I used my body as a medium to express my inner states and thoughts externally. At first, I started using biosensors to visualize invisible biological signals as a way to get to know myself. The insight I got from using biofeedback sensors is to embrace the changes in my feelings rather than to control them.”

Eunoia (Version 2)

It is an interactive performance and installation that attempts to display invisible human emotion and physiological changes into auditory representations. The work uses a commercial brainwave sensor to visualize and musicalize biological signals as art. The real-time detected brain data was used as a means to self-monitor and to control.

The installation is comprised of 48 speakers and aluminum dishes, each containing a pool of water. The layout of "Eunoia (Vr.2)" was inspired by an Asian Buddhist symbol meaning 'balance.'  The motif of number 48 comes from Spinoza's 'Ethics' (Chapter III), classifying 48 human emotions into three categories - desire, pleasure, and pain. In this performance, water becomes a mirror of the artist's internal state. It aims to physically manifest the artist's current states as ripples in pools of water. 

During the performance, the brainwave sensor (Emotiv EPOC) continuously transmits emotional values (data). The detected brain data (Frustration, Meditation, Boredom, Engagement, and Excitement) is used to modulate the speed, panning, and volume of a recorded-sound. The intensity of sound results in a vigorous water vibration, which corresponds to the intensity of the brainwave data. 
 

Hardware & Software Programmed by Colin Harrington
Sound Software Programmed by Amal Lal

Year: 2014
Dimensions: 18ft x 18ft x 2ft
Medium: Consumer-available brainwave headset (Emotiv EPOC), 48 speakers, Speaker wires, 48 Aluminum plates, Water, Computer (MaxMSP, Emotiv EPOC software)

Interviews

A short clip of this interview featured on KBS Documentary “미래기획 2030”

An Interview with Mana Contemporary

Documentary Film

KBS Documentary “미래기획 2030” Copyright ©KBS (Korean Broadcasting System)

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KBS Documentary “Next Human” Episode 4 - Bernard Werber (a narrator of this series) Copyright ©KBS (Korean Broadcasting System)

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