Artistic vs. Scientific Orientation

Although my practice engages with biological data and interactive technologies, it is artistically driven. I don’t conduct scientific research in an academic setting. I use biological signals as a medium of artistic expression to explore human presence, emotion, and perception. Biofeedback, for me, is a language, not a measuring tool. I’m more interested in the potential for art to generate self-awareness or behavioral reflection than in developing data-driven conclusions.

Initial Motivation for Biofeedback Art

My fascination with biofeedback art was driven by the urge to see the invisible patterns that influence how our inner lives are manifested and externalized. I was particularly intrigued by the prospect of mapping physiological signals, such as respiration, heart rate, or muscle movement, onto visual or aural representations. My ultimate incentive was the potential to assist people in contemplating their behavioral tendencies and mental states. My aim has always been to stimulate personal awareness with participatory, sensory activities. Also, I wanted to understand the mechanisms within the biological organism of the human being, and I was fascinated by how there were possible methods for quantifying emotions. My first project was an EEG based video installation, where the brainwaves controlled the appearance of video loops.

Impact and Aspirations

The effect I would like to have is in terms of public engagement and educational works. My goal is to encourage individuals to reflect on their own relaxation, focus, or stress behaviors and see how small physiological shifts influence their surroundings. With my installations, the viewer is integrated into the work through live participation. Ideally, my work could be utilized in educational environments where technology intersects with self-awareness.

Challenges & Growth

One of the main challenges is that many people do not immediately understand the nature of biofeedback art. The concept is still relatively unknown outside of specialized circles, and so a great deal of my work must be dedicated to explaining and simplifying the experience. This challenge has given me insight into developing experiences that are not just technically successful but also emotionally engaging and aesthetically appealing. My process has developed over time from simply experimenting with the technology to generating artworks that inspire deep reflection and active participation.

Tools & Methods

I use various visual programming environments to work with real-time physiological data. I typically work with sensors, such as heart rate monitors, EMG, or other kinds of sensors to produce real-time feedback. The most crucial thing for me is that the feedback loop has to be immediate; the participants have to feel as if their bodies were playing a direct role in generating the piece in the moment. This immediacy causes the emotional connection.

Collaborations

I see great potential in collaborating with experts from fields like engineering, programming, and health sciences since interdisciplinary collaboration can greatly enhance both the depth and scope of my work. While I have not yet had collaborations involving the technical or medical dimensions, I have had considerable collaborations with dancers and musicians as part of the Connected Bodies team. These artistic partnerships allowed me to engage with embodied interaction both from a performative and aural frame, as well as to establish the necessity for developing an interdisciplinary shared vocabulary.

Future

I believe biofeedback art will be increasingly featured in health and educational environments. As sensors become more available and less obtrusive, we will see more people working with their information in artistic ways. I see potential in applying these methods to interactive therapy, ambient public installations, or even personalized exhibitions in which art reacts to each viewer.

Final Thoughts

To those new to the medium: don’t be afraid of technology. Biofeedback art is not a matter of cracking codes like a scientist—it’s about discovering new means of expression. That moment of recognition—that’s the heart of what I want to communicate.

Please see one of my last biofeedback performances embedded below and its documentation on my website.

Last updated: 17 May 2025