Exhibited for S1T2's 'Fables From The Threshold' gallery at the Mechanic Redfern in April 2016 https://www.s1t2.com.au/workshop/event/fables/.

 

Arcs explores a visual form of neurofeedback by reading in brainwaves and visualising activity through generative moire patterns. The 3 minute interactive experience begins with a reactive learning phase followed by a deeper guided approach in an attempt to redirect the brainwaves.

 

An EEG sensor will monitor changes in the participants focus/concentration (beta and gamma frequency bands), and relaxed/meditative (theta and alpha frequency bands) states to guide the visual feedback. The distinct output consists of generative moire patterns, while introducing video clips from old Hollywood movies. The moire effect produces a false pattern through overlapping lines and arcs. The perception of a 'false pattern', in combination with video and neurofeedback, form the basis of this personal interactive experience.

 

While most data visualisations consist of data input and visualisation output, this particular form of electronic art creates a feedback loop whereby watching the visualisation unfold directly affects the brainwaves - effectively routing the output back as input. 

 

When participants theta/alpha levels (relaxtion) were high, the lines/circles would bend, generating different moire patterns. When beta/gamma levels (focus) were high, video clips would play and appear in the pattern. Interestingly, while concentrating plays the video - when the participant starts watching the video (essentially clocking off in the brain), concentration is broken and the video would disappear, creating the visual feedback loop.