Sonochromatic head is attach as an antenna to Neil Harbisson’s skull. It helps him perceive visible and invisible colours via sounds waves. The antenna has a internet connection which receives colours from space, images, video, music or phone calls directed into his head. Seismic arm allows Moon Ribas to perceive movements of real-time earthquakes. It is a small device attach to her arm where she can experience movement as small as 1 Richter scale.

In these works, the artists combines technology into their body where they transform to become cyborgs. In the sculptures, there are sensors attach in them which imitate Harbisson and Ribas actual appearances. Visitors are able to communicate to Harbisson by showing the colour panels to the sensor through the antenna and experience small movements experience by Ribas by touching the arm sculpture.

Sonochromatic Head and Seismic Hand by Neil Harbisson and Moon Ribas

The works done by the artists are interesting yet disturbing where the human body integrates with technology. This artwork creates a intriguing thought where it questions how we are so connected to technology where it slowly becomes part of us. Personally I feel that the extend of how Neil Harbisson takes the approach of overcoming his colour blindness is very extreme. At the same time, I am impressed by how he overcomes the challenge of seeing everything in black and white through the use of sound waves to help him perceive colours. This piece could be useful for people with colour blindness to help them ‘see’ colours. The visitors could use the sculpture’s sensor to communicate with him where there is some sort of communication. I would love to see it first hand of how the sensors work to send data to Harbisson. I feel that Moon Ribas technology would be very useful for the current situation where people living at or near earthquake areas. It would inform them when an earthquake is approaching through a small device so that they would have ample time to escape danger.

These works could relate to sensory replacement. The perception of how normal sense of sight which we take for guaranteed is replaced by other alternative. Sight is replaced by the use of the sound waves. It is a source of inspiration and research where people have other challenges other than blind or deaf or mute.