Hearing Color: The Extraordinary World of Neil Harbisson

Imagine a world where color isn't seen, but heard. This is the reality for artist Neil Harbisson, who was born with achromatopsia, a condition causing total color blindness. But through innovative technology, Neil experiences color in a way few can comprehend – as sound.

From Grayscale to Symphony

Neil's world was once a monochrome landscape. The sky, flowers, and television screens appeared in shades of gray. However, at the age of 21, he embarked on a project that would forever change his perception of reality. Teaming up with computer scientist Adam Montandon, and further collaborations with Peter Kes and Matias Lisana, Neil developed an electronic eye that translates color into audible frequencies.

How It Works

The device, a color sensor, detects the specific color frequency in front of him. This frequency is then sent to a chip implanted at the back of his head, allowing him to hear the color through bone conduction. Each color has a unique sound. For example:

• Purple might sound like [example sound].
• Green (like grass) might sound like [example sound].
• Red might sound like [example sound].
• Even a "dirty sock" (yellow) has its own distinct melody.

Becoming a Cyborg

After hearing color constantly for years, Neil's brain began to process the information intuitively. What started as memorization of notes evolved into a genuine perception and, eventually, a feeling. He began to have favorite colors and even dream in color.

"When I started to dream in color is when I felt that the software and my brain had united."

This integration led Neil to identify as a cyborg, feeling that the device had become an extension of his body and senses. This conviction was so strong that he even insisted on having the device included in his passport photo, arguing that it was now a part of his physical being.

A World Transformed

Experiencing color through sound has profoundly impacted Neil's life. Art galleries have become concert halls, where he can listen to a Picasso. Supermarkets are like nightclubs, filled with a cacophony of melodies, especially in the cleaning products aisle. Even his fashion choices are now dictated by sound, aiming to create harmonious chords with his clothing.

The Sound of Beauty

Neil's perception of beauty has also shifted. When he looks at someone, he hears their face, creating sound portraits based on the notes he perceives. A person who looks conventionally beautiful might sound terrible, and vice versa. He even creates sound concerts by connecting his eye to the faces in the audience and playing their faces.

Beyond Human Perception

Neil didn't stop at the range of colors visible to the human eye. He extended his senses to include infrared and ultraviolet, allowing him to hear colors beyond our normal perception. This expanded sensory input has practical applications, such as detecting movement with infrared and determining the safety of sunbathing with ultraviolet.

The Cyborg Foundation

Driven by the belief that we should all strive to perceive beyond our limitations, Neil founded the Cyborg Foundation. This organization encourages people to extend their senses through technology, viewing it as a means to expand knowledge and enhance life.

Painting with Sound

Normal sounds began to take on color for Neil. A telephone tone might feel green, BBC beeps sound turquoise, and listening to Mozart becomes a yellow experience. He translates music and voices into color, creating vibrant paintings that capture the essence of sound.

• Mozart's Queen of the Night: Very yellow and colorful.
• Justin Bieber's Baby: Very pink and yellow.

He even transforms famous speeches into color, exhibiting them without labels to challenge people's perceptions.

Embrace Sensory Extension

Neil Harbisson's story is a testament to the power of technology to expand our senses and transform our understanding of the world. He encourages everyone to consider which senses they would like to extend and to embrace the possibility of becoming a cyborg. In his view, the future lies in creating applications for our own bodies, unlocking new realms of perception and knowledge.