Brainwave Trading Center (BWTC)

BWTC is an innovative art project that explores the value of information in today’s world, where people unknowingly exchange various forms of intangible data. The project purchases brainwave data directly from visitors and, using a proprietary algorithm, transforms this data into unique paintings. These artworks are then exhibited and made available for sale.

Issue

The Value of Biometric Data

The internet, big data, and AI—these technological advancements have reshaped the way businesses operate, with an increasing focus on the utilization of personal data. This trend has now expanded into the realm of biometric data. For instance, smartwatches can analyze our health status and provide notifications simply by being worn on our wrists.

While such services are often offered free of charge and have become so integrated into our daily lives that we hardly notice them, it is worth considering the true value of the vast amounts of personal data we upload to the internet and cloud services every day.

Creation

Transforming Brainwaves into Art: A New Value Exchange

This project purchases brainwave data, transforms it into paintings, and sells the resulting artworks. It envisions a world where brainwaves can be freely acquired through automated systems, creating an ecosystem for the buying, selling, and artistic transformation of biometric data. By offering a hands-on experience of trading biometric information and witnessing the distribution of brainwave-generated paintings, the project invites participants to explore new perspectives on "value" in the evolving digital age.

Collaboration

NFT Sales of Brainwave Art by Scientists in the Metaverse

In collaboration with our co-creation partner, Hacosco Inc., we launched a limited-time Metaverse Store. Brainwave data donated by five scientists and thought leaders was used to create unique paintings, which were sold as NFTs.

Brainwave Contributors:
Junichi Rekimoto
Kazuhiko Hachiya
Takuya Kitagawa
Naotaka Fujii
Ryoko Ohta

Future

Towards the Economic Circulation of Biometric Data

The currency earned by providing brainwave data to BWTC could be used not only to purchase brainwave-generated paintings, but could also be spent on unrelated things, like beverages. This demonstrates the potential of biometric data to hold genuine economic value. As we envision a future where biometric data circulates appropriately within the economy, we aim to collaborate with diverse industry players to implement real-world, socially impactful projects.

If you're interested in joining this journey, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Exhibition

The portable design of BWTC allows it to be installed anywhere. In 2023, two touring exhibitions were held in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Please contact us to arrange a BWTC exhibition at your location.

Hanamurasaki BWTC

FOC BWTC