An exhibition by Alan James Burn in partnership with Galway City Arts Office which discusses climate change and neurodiversity. This provides us with an opportunity to learn from Alan’s project partner about Neuro Pride & the Arts and Disability.

Augmented Body, Altered Mind is an interactive exhibition weaving a brain-computer interface with an audiovisual environment. The artwork celebrates divergent cognitive abilities used for creative problem-solving and explores the potential to collectively reshape the world towards a more diverse and sustainable future.

Delving into the climate challenge and tech-growth narratives, Augmented Body, Altered Mind examines correlations between the natural world, neurology, philosophy, and neurodivergence. Immersed in a projected environment and multi-channel soundscape, visitors co-create the artwork in real-time by wearing a brain-sensing headset that detects electric signals generated by different brain waves. By doing so, audiences control evocative visuals reminiscent of environmental and neurological imagery and patterns.

Climate change disproportionately affects people with disabilities, including from the lack of accessible information and vulnerabilities in extreme weather events. Underpinned by the theory of Complementary Cognition and the psychological aspects of the climate challenge, the artwork encourages new approaches to thinking about the accelerating environmental crisis and how it could be tackled. Highlighting the importance of accessibility, Augmented Body, Altered Mind welcomes all audiences to engage, collaborate, and shape the artwork.