«My art is to create new senses.»

Cyborg artist Neil Harbisson

He is the world's first officially recognized cyborg. Picture: zvg / Hector adalid

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Author Lea Ingber

Neil Harbisson is considered the world's first cyborg. The colorblind artist has had an antenna implanted in the back of his head. In the ZHdK podcast "Kunstlicht", he talks about his art and his relationship to AI.

The avant-garde artist and cyborg activist Neil Harbisson can see ultraviolet radiation. This is made possible by an antenna-like implant that improves his perception of light. He is experimenting with other implants in order to develop new "super senses".

I see my creation of new organs and senses as an art movement.

Neil Harbisson

We were lucky: shortly after our interview, Neil announced that he would no longer be giving interviews. With "Kunstlicht" host Eva Pauline Bossow, Neil talks in English about his understanding of art, his work as an activist and gives ZHdK students advice on how to deal with AI and technology.

My antenna also has an Internet connection, allowing me to sense colors from afar. By connecting to NASA's International Space Station live feed, I can sense colors from space.

Neil Harbisson