Neil Harbisson

Neil Harbisson (born 27 July 1984) is a British-Catalan cyborg artist and activist for transspecies rights. He is best known for being the first person in the world to have an antenna implanted in his skull and for being legally recognized as a cyborg by a government. Harbisson's work explores the relationship between humans and technology, particularly focusing on the extension of human senses through cybernetic implants.

Early Life and Education

Neil Harbisson was born in Mataró, Catalonia, Spain, to a Catalan mother and an Irish father. From an early age, he was diagnosed with achromatopsia, a condition that results in complete color blindness. Harbisson attended the Dartington College of Arts in England, where he studied music composition. His interest in the arts and technology led him to explore ways to overcome his color blindness.

Cyborg Antenna

In 2004, Harbisson began collaborating with cybernetics expert Adam Montandon to develop the "eyeborg," a device that translates colors into audible frequencies. The device consists of an antenna implanted in Harbisson's skull, which allows him to perceive colors as sounds. The antenna detects the light frequencies of colors and converts them into vibrations that Harbisson can hear through bone conduction.

The antenna has become an integral part of Harbisson's identity, and he considers it an extension of his senses. In 2004, the British government recognized Harbisson's antenna as a body part, allowing him to appear in his passport photo with the device, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of cyborg rights.

Artistic Work

Harbisson's artistic work focuses on the intersection of art and technology. He uses his cyborg antenna to create art that explores the perception of color and sound. His projects include "Sonochromatic Music," where he translates colors into musical compositions, and "Color Scores," where he paints musical scores based on the colors he perceives.

Harbisson has exhibited his work internationally and has given numerous talks and performances to raise awareness about cyborg art and the potential of technology to enhance human capabilities.

Activism

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Harbisson is an advocate for cyborg rights and the rights of individuals to modify their bodies with technology. He co-founded the Cyborg Foundation in 2010, an organization that promotes the use of cybernetics as a way to extend human senses and abilities. The foundation also supports individuals who wish to become cyborgs and works to protect their rights.

Recognition and Impact

Neil Harbisson's work has had a significant impact on the fields of art, technology, and human rights. He has been featured in various media outlets and has spoken at conferences such as TED and WIRED. His pioneering efforts have sparked discussions about the ethical and social implications of human augmentation and the future of human evolution.

Also see

• Cyborg Foundation
• Transhumanism
• Human enhancement
• Achromatopsia
• Biohacking