In a world where travel is commonplace for many, the Inner Portrait project stands out by capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment: the neural and emotional experience of first-time travelers. This groundbreaking collaboration between Starlab, Refik Anadol, and Turkish Airlines uses cutting-edge neuroscience and AI to visualize the profound impact of travel on human emotions.
The Amazonas: Capturing First-Time Experiences
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Inner Portrait project took place deep within the Amazon rainforest. Our colleague, Víctor Fernández Asunción, embarked on an unforgettable journey to the remote Yawanawa tribe settlement, navigating the lush rivers of the Amazon after an 8-hour boat ride.
The project focused on recording the brain activity of a Yawanawa tribe member as he prepared for his very first flight. Equipped with Starlab’s EmoWave® service and Empatica E4 sensors, we captured the raw emotional and neural data of this individual as he experienced the marvels of international travel. This data was crucial for understanding the biological and emotional responses triggered by travel, particularly for someone from an environment as distinct as the Amazon rainforest, who had never ventured beyond its borders.
In this instance, travel became a transformative experience, representing much more than just physical movement. The EEG data captured during these moments allowed us to visualize these inner transformations through AI-generated Data Paintings, turning emotions into art. This profound moment of first-time exploration was translated into a mesmerizing visual narrative, showcasing the deep connection between human experience, culture, and the biological effects of travel.
Cannes: The Intersection of Travel, Art, and Neuroscience
After the Amazon adventure, the Inner Portrait project took center stage at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Here, we shared the stories and data collected from the Amazon with a broader audience, transforming personal neural data into immersive artistic experiences.
At Cannes, Refik Anadol’s expansive and immersive booth, designed to replicate the Turkish Airlines flight experience, showcased stunning visual and auditory journeys through locations like Tokyo, Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Jordan. The project delved deep into the emotional and biological responses of four individuals, each experiencing international travel for the first time. Using Starlab’s Enobio® EEG device and EmoWave® service, we transformed their neural and emotional data into captivating AI Data Paintings. These digital artworks visually depicted the way travel impacts the mind and body, creating an immersive, multisensory experience for all attendees.
In addition to viewing the artwork, visitors at Cannes had the opportunity to participate in EEG monitoring sessions themselves, giving them a direct glimpse into the intersection of art, neuroscience, and travel. This interactive element brought the audience closer to the process, helping them understand the transformative power of travel from a personal and neurological perspective.
The Vision Behind Inner Portrait
At its core, the Inner Portrait project is about exploring the profound emotional shifts that occur when individuals encounter the unknown. For the Yawanawa tribe member and others experiencing international travel for the first time, this project captured more than just brainwaves—it captured the awe, wonder, and transformation that come with exploring the world beyond familiar horizons.
Collaborating with Refik Anadol, whose artistic genius lies in data-driven visualizations, and Turkish Airlines, a global leader in travel, has enabled us to blend art and neuroscience in ways that were previously unimaginable. Through this fusion, we’ve created not just an artistic experience but a deeper understanding of how travel shapes who we are, down to our very biology.
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