Voice and Brainwave Holograms present the effect of humming on health
Humming is the best medicine: This participatory art research project KIMA Resonance by the Analema Group explores the power of social connectedness for health and wellbeing. Art and co-creation has the ability to bring us together, bridge discrepancies, and make us feel more socially connected, thereby contributing to our mental health and wellbeing. This project created by the Analema Group evolved through collaborations including with the National Health Services in the UK, several Universities (University of Greenwich, Imperial College, Vallais School of Art, CH) and now Ars Electronica’s Neuro Experience Lab and Erika Mondria – exploring the effect of humming on the human body and human mind. KIMA Resoanz was showcased at one of the world’s largest festivals for media art, technology and innovation – Ars Electronica.
Participants explore harmonies between their voices vocally, while being able to observe visual representation of ‘Resonance’ on a holographic screen in real-time. The calming effect of humming on the mind and its effect on wellbeing is measured using EEG wearables, and displayed for visitors to understand the effect of this vocal resonance on the human body.
Harmonies between participants are analysed sonically, and visually represented: Through measurement of human brainwaves, the effect on the mind can be experienced sonically and visually. Vocal harmonies between two participants are analysed and then displayed as changing geometric forms: The artwork forms part of the p_ART_icipate! research project (www.participateresearch.co.uk) on participatory digital art and their effect on health. Humming calms us down, and has a soothing effect on the human mind. Displayed on a holographic screen – Holonet by Hologramica, audiences were able to observe their voice in real-time while witnessing their brainwaves appearing in holographic form. The immersive, participatory installation invites audiences of all ages, to hum together and learn about the calming potential of the human voice and humming.
Origins of the project
The project was originally commissioned at Imperial College in London and the Royal College of Music, and supported by London based Hologramica, with the idea to invite audiences – often strangers – to sing together and to understand if they would feel more socially connected. The results of the research, which formed part of the HeARTs study was astonishing. Among the 200 participants, we could show a significant effect of humming on social connectedness which is an indicator for wellbeing. Following this study, the team worked together with a small charity, Joy of Soundv who produce music instruments for people with disabilities, Joy of Sound, and Central North West London Foundation Trust, to develop the work further. The result are further confirmation that humming brings us closer together and that this phenomenon is quite global. Today, you will be able to see harmonies between voices visually represented in real-time.
Every voice is unique, but there are mathematical relations between our voices. And independent from Western conceptions of music, the Analema Group measures harmonies as intervals between frequencies.
The human voice is an important factor in health, for instance as a diagnostic tool: In the context of Alzheimer, Multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease for instance, voice analysis is used as an important biomarker where 89% of all Parkinson cases show an effect on the human voice. A study by the Indian National Centre for Mental Health and Neuroscience shows that humming has a calming effect on the brain’s limbic system which controls our emotions, including fight or flight reactions. It seems that humming affects our nasal cavity which releases nitric oxide, an indicator of relaxation. Humming not only helps with recovery from stress, but also supports resonance and social connectedness among people, directly affecting our wellbeing. A study by Persico for instance showed a reduction of about 30% in less stress among young mothers when humming, and a reduction in infants crying episodes of about 18%. It is not just humming but also listening that has a calming effect. Today we will look at both – humming and active listening.
Explanation
On the holographic Holonet screen by Hologramica real-time presentations of two voices appear as they hum together: Frequencies are mapped onto the Fibonacci spiral you can see at the centre. The higher the voice, the larger the spirals arms. The amplitude of the voices is mapped onto the particles: The louder they sing the more particles one can see. Finally, If the two voices hum with meaningful vocal chords intervals, one can witness geometric formations inside the particles, representing musical intervals such as octaves, a third, fourth, fifth and harmonies.
At the same time, audiences witnessed the effect of the human voice on listening and the the mind. Using the Gtech Unicorn Hybrid Black to measure electromagnetic activity in the brain, these brainwave visualisations are shown on Hologramica’s Holonet screen. Higher activity is shown through brighter colours. Resonance between the human voice and the mind and the calming functions of humming, and the importance of active listening become accessible to audiences of KIMA: Resonance at Ars Electronica 2025.
Ars Electronica took place from 2 – 7 September in Linz Austria.
ANALEMA GROUP 