ECT Brownbag: Suzanne Dikker & Matthias Oostrik 

Harmonic Dissonance: Bridging Art, Science, and Education

When: Thursday, December 3, 11am – 12pm EST
Zoom Link: https://nyu.zoom.us/j/91044407438

What does it mean to lose oneself in someone else? How is it possible that the mere physical presence of another human being can make us believe we can conquer the world, or, conversely, make us feel lonely and incapable? Does human interaction mediated by technological interfaces help or hamper communication? We will present a series of art projects / neuroscience experiments that embody the elusive notion of 'being on the same wavelength' with another person by visualizing and sonifying the interpersonal (de)synchronization of brainwaves and movements in real time. These interactive biofeedback installations are executed outside of traditional laboratory settings—such as schools, museums, and theaters—allowing us to explore the interface of performance art and neuroscience as a playground for real-world experimentation. These efforts may help advance our understanding of the brain basis of human social interaction, while at the same time enabling researchers to engage the general public in citizen neuroscience efforts and neuroscience outreach.