OpenBCI Discovery Program: SYNAPTICON

SYNAPTICON: Exploring Neuro-Hacking, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), and Synthetic Intelligence for Novel Aesthetic Expression.

Albert.DATA, after their speculative “Slowly Fading into Data (S.F.I.D)” project, presents: SYNAPTICON (Live A/V Performance + Installation). SYNAPTICON is a radical experimentation that merges neuro-hacking, brain-computer interfaces (BCI), and synthetic intelligence to explore new realms of human expression, aesthetics and surveillance. This innovative framework envisions a new era of the “Panopticon”, where cognitive and algorithmic systems converge, authorizing real-time monitoring, modulation, and prediction of thought, behavior, and creativity. Through the use of BCIs and SOTA AI-driven cognitive models and architectures, SYNAPTICON blurs the boundaries between the self and surveillance, offering profound insights into the neural and algorithmic fabric of perception within human existence. By developing a real-time “Brain Waves-to-Natural Language-to-Aesthetics” system, SYNAPTICON first translates neural states into decoded speech and then into powerful audiovisual expressions for altered perception. This visionary project proposes a new genre of performance art that invites audiences to directly engage with Albert.DATA’s mind, while prompting critical dialogue on the future of neuro-rights and synthetic identities.

OpenBCI x SYNAPTICON

OpenBCI hardware plays a critical role in SYNAPTICON. Specifically, the Ultracortex Mark IV EEG headset combined with the CytonDaisy 16-channel biosensing board and ThinkPulse™ electrode kits capture and process real-time neural data. These EEG signals are first recorded and then preprocessed using signal processing techniques like bandpass filtering and normalization to remove artifacts and noise, preparing the signals for advanced analysis. Next, an LSTM-based EEG encoder extracts temporal features, producing a compact representation of neural activity. These features are integrated with a BART transformer model to generate natural language from brain activity. The resulting language data then serves as prompts for generating immersive audiovisual expressions, completing the innovative brain-to-art workflow. The precision, versatility, and reliability of OpenBCI tools are integral to achieving SYNAPTICON’s ambitious real-time neuro-aesthetic translation and interactive performance.

Hacktivism for Neural-Rights

SYNAPTICON challenges conventional perceptions about privacy, creativity, and autonomy in our increasingly digital and surveilled world. By visualizing the intimate processes of thought, the project questions how far technology can ethically intrude into human consciousness. It brings awareness to the implications of neuro-surveillance and cognitive modulation, pushing audiences to critically examine the boundaries between technology, art, and human rights. SYNAPTICON offers both an artistic vision and a philosophical exploration of our potential future with BCIs and synthetic intelligence. The project’s fusion of neuroscience and cutting-edge AI models also sets a new precedent for interdisciplinary research and innovation, providing significant insights into cognitive processes and the ethical implications of real-time neural monitoring. It serves as a powerful platform for discourse on cognitive liberty, highlighting the urgent need to define and protect neuro-rights as these technologies become increasingly pervasive in society.

Albert.DATA

Albert.DATA is the new synthetic identity of Albert Barque-Duran (1989).

Albert is a Research Scientist and Artist coordinating the Graduate Program in ‘Digital Arts & Creative Technologies’ at the ‘IASlab (Interactive Arts & Science Laboratory)’ at ‘La Salle Campus Barcelona – Universitat Ramon Llull’ (CAT/ES).

Albert earned a PhD and a Postdoc in Cognitive Science from the ‘Centre for Mathematical Neuroscience’ at City, University of London(UK) and have been a Visiting Postgraduate Researcher at Harvard University (USA) and University of Oxford (UK). Albert’s research focuses on: (1) human-algorithm interactions during artistic and creative processes; (2) cognition and aesthetics under artificial intelligence; and (3) the long-term implications of synthetic intelligence for the arts, science and philosophy.

They have exhibited and performed at the most significant and international new media art, experimental festivals, contemporary art museums and biennales (Sonar+D, MUTEK, Ars Electronica, Gray Area, V_2, ZKM Karlsruhe, Media Lab, etc). Albert received an award from ‘We Are Europe’ (Creative Europe Programme of the European Union), which endowed him as one of the most impactful “Culture Activists” in Europe. Recently, has been nominated and short-listed for the ‘FUTURES’ category of the LUMEN Prize Award, and received the ‘Re: Humanism – Romaeuropa Digitalive’ Prize. Further, they have been internationally awarded by the ‘Art of Neuroscience’ award for bridging science and art, and by the Catalan Government with the ‘International Award City of Lleida’ for the significant cultural impact of their projects.

SYNAPTICON Credits

SYNAPTICON Updates & Première

To explore SYNAPTICON further, visit the official website at www.albert-data.com, follow Albert.DATA on social media (@Albert_DATA), or join the premiere at Sónar+D Festival (Barcelona, Spain), on June 13th, 2025, which kicks off an international tour.