You are the Ocean

This paper explores "You Are the Ocean," an interactive art installation where a participant's brainwaves control a projected ocean simulation. Using an EEG headset, the approximate attention and meditation levels of the participant are measured. As the participant increases her attention and focus, the ocean and sky become stormier. When the participant calms her mind, the ocean too becomes calm. This paper describes the concept, implementation, and participant interaction surrounding the installation. While many existing artworks have used EEG headsets, "You Are the Ocean" is novel in its use of interactive, photorealistic real-time rendering to communicate the intrinsic connection between humans and the planet.