Neil Harbisson, the world’s first cyborg artist will be performing at the Dubai Canvas Festival with a musical interpretation of Dubai’s colours. Harbisson, who has officially been recognised as a cyborg, “hears” the tonal equivalent of colours through an antenna implanted in his skull.

Born with a rare form of colour blindness called achromatopsia, Harbisson developed an antenna to counter his disability. The antenna embedded in his skull enables him to interpret colours as different musical frequencies. The device allows him to perceive both visible and invisible colours such as infrareds and explore the use of artistic expression via sensory extensions.

Based on the colours of Dubai, the British-born, Catalan-raised artist will be composing a piece of music called Colour Dubai Symphony in collaboration with local singers and musicians. This will be the first musical composition Harbisson will be creating based on the colours of a city.

Organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in cooperation with Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), the second annual Dubai Canvas Festival will feature over 60 works from international, regional and local artists. The festival will be held from March 1-14 at JBR.