This work titled, Sympathist, is an interactive installation that utilizes an electroencephalogram for its interactive interface, illusory images to its right and left sides, and three projections constructed from an EEG chart in the middle. When two participants wear the electroencephalogram at the same time, their brain waves are translated into various illusory imagery via a visual program, realtimely rendering an EEG chart. This chart reveals data values about both participant’s brain-waves at the moment, while the illusions to the right and left transition between clear and blurred in real time along with changes in sounds. If the brainwave values of both participants are similar to one another, there will be a shared response, such as the chart lines intertwining to produce intense and turbulent high-frequency sounds. This work demonstrates the state of communication between people in a technological society, as well as a sympathetic phenomenon produced through a technological exchange of brainwaves.

This thesis explores a brief history of electroencephalograms, the development and performance of new media installations that utilize brain-waves, neural aesthetics discussed by the neurologist, Semir Zeki, and other related works. The creative concept will be discussed according to characteristics of the work, such as sympathy, randomness, co-creation of interactive images, and information visualization.

Furthermore, the thesis will discourse in detail the creative elements, such as the visual illusions, EEG charts, and interactive sound designs. In conclusion, the paper will explain the creative techniques and related technologies utilized by this work.