Neurofeedback & Magic
2024
As my practice has evolved, I have considered ways to investigate further how this intersection, partially neuroscience, could be present in my work. In 2023, I received the first of two grants ( the University of North Texas Project Grant 2023 & the Arch and Ann Giles Grant via the Dallas Museum of Art 2024) that would fund a bespoke EEG neurofeedback visualizer program.
This process allows me to explore the interplay between neurological phenomena and visual expression, creating something entirely new. Data from alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves can be collected, assigned a binary, and exported to the designated program utilizing Muse neurofeedback hardware and Derivative programming. In a straightforward control scheme such as “RGB,” alpha waves can be represented by red, beta waves by green, and theta waves by blue. As the frequencies of these brain waves fluctuate in real time, the screen reflects subtle color changes that correspond to brain activity.
“Intravenous”
2023
Playing with color, experimental practices, and visual drama are elements that have been consistent in my work from the time I started my creative practice. These pillars have evolved with me over the years, I credit this to being drawn to the pursuit of learning. Curiosity and failure are important to my creative process, as well as embracing the idea that my work is being created by an imperfect human hand.
Neurological research partially interests me as in 2021, I was diagnosed with a relatively rare neurological condition at a routine check-up. I struggled to hold on to my practice as an artist as I began to lose eyesight and experienced “floaters” which can be anything from chunks of my vision being replaced with vibrant colors to what looks like bugs crawling across my canvas. Instead of fighting these shortcomings, I embraced them and incorporated them into my paintings.
Intravenous, whose title is a nod to the venous sinus, is a major vein on both the left and right side of the brain slightly above the ear, came about when I received an intravenous implant on the left side of my brain. My hope with this collection is to highlight the unusual beauty of this experience.
In my current work, I use images that are created via touch designer which are distorted by music and then translated onto a canvas. Recently, I received a generous grant to fund my research as it continues to evolve. I have used neurofeedback as an input into a bespoke program made in collaboration with Colton Parham, my brother, and computer genius, to create dynamic compositions which I then draw inspiration from and translate onto large-scale paintings.
I believe fear is an invitation to evolve and as I faced what many artists would consider a nightmare, the only logical option for me was to find a way to make art with this. After several brain surgeries, my vision has improved, but there was some damage done that will stay with me.
IV 23’ Open November 1st-9th
The 2024 show dates coming soon!
Documentation by Hudson Ingram
Stay up to date on this collection @akeparham on Instagram!
