Sound Thoughts

This sound installation aimed to connect the inner world of the mind and the external physical surroundings through sound. Using a brainwave sensor, physical space was brought to life and borders defined through its resonant frequencies. By playing with different mental states, alternating between relaxed, active, or meditative states, the sounds became a reflection of brainwave frequencies.

Five dominant brain waves were monitored and represented by a resonant frequency of the room, while the fundamental room mode (39Hz) pulsed in the background as a constant reminder of the environment's physical bounds. While most brainwave frequencies resonate below the threshold of hearing, these lower frequencies can be detected via frequency beats. Lower frequencies (Delta: 0.1-3 Hz, Theta: 4-7Hz, Alpha: 8-15Hz) reflect a more relaxed state of mind, while higher frequencies (Beta: 16-30Hz, Gamma: 31-60Hz) indicate active thought and mental activity. The participant was encouraged to interact by walking around or sitting down to 'listen' to the space in addition to changing mental states through calming or activating the brain.

Exhibited at Gray Area Creative Coding showcase April 2015, San Francisco.

Pure Data, Muse OSC


DEVELOPER, SOUND TECHNOLOGIST

vanessa dot li at gmail dot com