We used Mobile brain-body imaging (MoBI) technology to study the human improvisational creative process in the spirit of the “Exquisite Corpse”, an improvisational creative game created by the surrealists in the 1920s, three artists create a three-part art piece. The artists were equipped with 64 channel wireless EEG (2 channel EOG) and 3 inertial measurement units on forearms and head.
In this study, artists wore skullcaps fitted with EEG electrodes and inertial sensors as they played Exquisite Corpse in the context of music. The performance-study seeks to uncover clues to what happens in the brain as people create an improvisational musical piece. The EEG and kinematic data were recorded from the musicians while they were playing improvisational Jazz music. In the context of the Exquisite Corpse, each of the musicians took the leading role; starting solo, followed by the other two musicians joining in the consecutive 5-minute interval. The cycle repeats every 15 minutes alternating between the person taking the lead. Their brain activity is projected onto a nearby screen as audience members watch and also contribute their MoBI data.
The experiments are conducted in public venues and they provide a platform for interaction between the artists, researchers, and audience. At the end of every experiment (and during the experiment), a question and answer session takes place in which the audience inquires about the technology, performance, or the collaboration itself.
Acknowledgements
NSF award #BCS1533691
Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston
