Shirley Chen-Looking Outwards-07 – [OLD FALL 2018] 15-104 • Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice

This project, called “Melting Memories”, is a series of digital artworks that create visual representation for EEG data collected on the neural mechanisms of cognitive control created by Refik Anadol Studio. It aims to explore materiality of remembering. Using computational method, this project allow the viewers to experience the aesthetic interpretation of motor movements inside human brain. The artist collects data on the neural mechanisms of cognitive control from an electroencephalogram, which measures the changes in brain wave as the result of activity and provides evidence for the function of brain.
The data is collected by instructing the participants to focus on specific childhood memories during the recording process. And the team transposes the EEG data t into procedural noise to generate aesthetic structures. This project is intriguing because the artists used computational method to collect and represent sets of abstract data relating to memories. With new technology and perspectives of exploring arts, the artists tried to visualize something that is intangible and vague. It provides the viewers with new perspectives and ways to learn the brain activity and also forms connections between the viewers and the artwork because the artwork is actually depicting the activity in human brain.

“Melting Memories” Project Created by Refol Amadol Studio