AGNOSIA

2021 - 2022

Generative Audiovisual

Inside our minds, there is a vivid depiction of the world around us that is replete with sounds, smells, colors, objects, and memories but the brain presents us with only snapshots; in fact, most of what we "see" is an illusion. Our eyes aren't all-seeing but capture fleeting glimpses of the outside world between rapid movements called saccades. During these, we are effectively blind because the brain doesn't process the information that comes in when they happen.
Our perception of the spaces is recorded based on a geometrical conversion of lines, contrasts, and ratios in our unconscious memories that can not be recalled intentionally. Later in the different locations, some previously recorded data would be juxtaposed with the new spaces and that makes us remember some memories unwantedly.
During the recording process, other sensory elements are recorded which activates those recalled memories and leads to the flow of thoughts that are sometimes considered Dejavus. The same logic is used in robotics and artificial intelligence navigation systems for wayfinding ignoring the recording process of feelings and other cognitive sensories.

Agnosia /meaning the inability to process sensory information/ is a new media installation that harnesses the elusive process of memory-making and recalling them by making glitches in the natural process of remembering, providing the artist and the audience a free flow of recalling memories and embedded feelings.
It features a custom-built two-screen layout and projected visuals drawn from EEG readings of the artist’s brainwaves by measuring the electrical activities of his brain that renders the artist’s memories, sensory responses, and spatial experiences both visible and audible to its audience.
The biometric data the installation is based on is drawn from the artist by exposing himself to custom-developed stimuli based on spatial and architectural memory tests that trigger memories that hold great emotional significance.
The collected data is used to train an artificial intelligence algorithm that generates looping audiovisual outcomes in real-time, manifesting as the installation's dynamic material. The outcome is a multi-dimensional artwork composed of the artist's inner physical and emotional states, visualized as alternative realities. Scientific and medical data, computer software algorithms, and artificial intelligence are integrated to redefine the functionalities of mind, inner-self, and spatial formations.

Part installation, part time-based new media, AGNOSIA exists at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Through the juxtaposition of visual elements, sound, and sensory responses, the work creates an immersive experience that explores the connections between human memories, the definition of time, bodily reactions, and spatial perception.
Utilizing an EEG (electroencephalogram) brainwave scanner that collects biological data from the artist’s brain in real-time which is glitched by the customized spatial tests exposed to the artist during the creation phase, the previously 3D-scanned spaces are selected, processed, deformed, and displaced by the software developed in Touchdesigner and converted into new spaces that have never existed before.
An artificial intelligence algorithm is used to train the model and control the regeneration and recreation of the audiovisual elements continuously that have been designed and dictated in the color palette, boundaries of deformations, and gravitational and repulsion forces by the artist. The spaces and formations are uniquely happening in real-time and because of various unpredictable and uncontrollable parameters of the creation process, it will not be possible to generate the same content after it has vanished.

Besides the main installation, the derivates of Agnosia include 10+1AP unique 4K video art pieces in landscape and portrait, A unique piece of video art from the custom-developed spatial test (Available in generative software patch and/or Full HD video render 07:00 min), A unique piece of video art from the software process during the creation phase (Available in generative software patch and/or Full HD video render 04:00 min), A web art installation of selected digital sculptures acquired from the main installation (available on AGNOSIA WEB VOL0.1, VR and AR), A collection of 50 120x120 cm ChromaLuxe prints (15 produced and available) and a collection of 50 30-seconds NFT videos (available on AGNOSIA COLLECTION ON FOUNDATION.APP, 10 produced and available) The production of remained and unreleased items would take place by the end of 2025 through the new collection of data and live performances of the installation.

ONLINE PRESENTATION OF AGNOSIA WEB VOL0.1
AGNOSIA COLLECTION ON FOUNDATION.APP

Exhibitions:
2024 | The Next Contemporary, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
2022 | AGNOSIA [AR] | MUTEKmx x STYLY | Mutek Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
2022 | Agnosia & Derivatives | Mohsen Gallery, Tehran, Iran.
2022 | IDAF'22 | Fisekhane, Istanbul, Turkey.
2022 | Art Brussels | Brussels, Belgium.
2021 | Asia Now art fair | Paris, France.

Shortlisted for the Lumen prize for the art and technology 2022 3D/Interactive award,

The project is supported by the Canada Council of Arts and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.