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Event 2: Brainstorming - Empathy

I was extremely intrigued by Professor Vesna's and Cohen's project as it explored communication through brain waves, or electrical signals that can be detected on surfaces of our heads. Since all of our emotions stem from this organ, it makes sense that we'd be able to indirectly compare our mental processes with another person using electroencephalograms. Due to the fact that cephalopods are able to communicate through flashing colors on their body, an octopus was sort of like a "mascot" for this event.

Initial set up for the exhibit

Octopi crowns were used as electrodes to detect the brain activity and measure waves that are processed wirelessly through a computer program. This technical background ties in with themes from Week 2 (Math + Art), since programming requires mathematical algorithms when completing the task of comparing two different waves in hertz by type and strength. After processing, the computer sends back information to the crowns and illuminates the 300 LED lights embedded in the crowns. The colors that were displayed showed both the similarity of waves for the two participants as well as their individuality through their analyzing algorithm. This part exhibited the concepts from Week 3 (Robotics + Art). An understanding of hardware is involved in order to connect all of the sensors and the program controlling them through wireless signals.


LED lights glowing with the octopus crowns to pre-recorded "brain waves"

The concept of analyzing brain waves holds promise in the field of medicine (MedTech + art), especially with treating and studying diseases ranging from brain tumors to sleep disorders. WebMD also describes electroencephalograms as a test to check for epilepsy and dementia. Nonetheless, this exhibit also shows a creative way of unconscious and artistic self expression with brainwaves through colorful LEDs. The duality of multiple disciplines exemplifies a theme from Week 1(Two Cultures) where a third culture is forming.

Selfie with the tentacle fabric (the key figure declined photo)

I would recommend going to this event since the project epitomizes the application of technology and science with art. It uses knowledge of diverse scientific backgrounds (physics, computing, biology) to produce radiating and entrancing display of electroencephalograms for both the audience and the wearers. I believe that utilizing this brain power would especially play a big role in creating wearable devices for the physically disabled. A telepathic communication would be a great tool to help them get around inside a smart home and public facilities.

Ticket stub from the event

Sources

"Brainstorming." Victoria Vesna, www.victoriavesna.com/brainstorming/. Accessed 10 May 2017.

"Electroencephalogram (EEG)." Web MD, www.webmd.com/epilepsy/electroencephalogram-eeg-21508#1. Accessed 10 May 2017.

"Learn About LED lights." Energy Star, www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_bulbs/learn_about_led_bulbs. Accessed 10 May 2017.

"Medicine pt3." Online video clip. Youtube, uploaded by uconlineprogram, 22 Apr. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIX-9mXd3Y4.

"Robotics pt3." Online video clip. Youtube, uploaded by uconlineprogram, 16 Apr. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkP7oSZVkbg.

Tudor, Mario. "[Hans Berger (1873-1941)--the history of electroencephalography]." National Center for Biotechnology Information, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16334737. Accessed 10 May 2017.

Vesna, Victoria. “Toward a Third Culture: Being in Between.” Leonardo, vol. 34, no. 2, 2001, pp. 121–125., www.jstor.org/stable/1577014. Accessed 10 May 2017.

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