I have always been interested in the idea of translating intangibles into tangible forms, whether that be physical or visual. Synapse was born from a desire to explore how cognition—an internal, ephemeral process—could be externalized and made visible. As a cognitive science and media arts and design major, I was excited by the opportunity to combine my two interests for my capstone.

Using a Muse2 headset to gather real-time EEG data, participants engage with the work as their brainwave activity generates unique visual compositions that evolve with their changing mental states. Yet, they are not sole creators—the computer algorithm itself interprets, responds, and co-creates, translating raw cognition into evolving, unpredictable forms. When each person disconnects, their final neural imprint remains frozen in time, awaiting the arrival of the next mind. Rather than existing in isolation, each user's engagement is framed by the residue of another’s thoughts, subtly connecting minds through an evolving, generative process.

The term synapse operates at multiple levels of meaning, mirroring the very essence of the work. In neuroscience, a synapse is the junction between two neurons, where signals are transmitted and processed—an essential mechanism for cognition and perception. This installation embraces that concept metaphorically, acting as a bridge between human thought and machine interpretation, between intangible experience and tangible representation, and most importantly, as a point of connection between different minds.

Through this shared creative space, Synapse invites reflection on the ephemeral yet lasting nature of cognition, emphasizing how our internal worlds leave traces—both seen and unseen. By leaning into the idea of singularity and individual differences, Synapse aims to challenge traditional boundaries between creator and audience, redefining artistic production as a collaborative exchange between human consciousness, machine intelligence, and the impact of those who came before.