Morpheús – Visualising sleep data

In October 2021, a period of insomnia led to the creation of Morpheus, a visual representation of sound waves that represented the patterns of disrupted sleep. Part of the Necessity Collection, it symbolises a reclaiming control through the recording and visualising of data – giving shape to patterns in sleep behaviour that cannot be controlled. Using an audio recording device, ambient noises and body movements were captured throughout the night. After weeks of data collection, patterns emerged, such as evidence of regular early morning bus noises from the street below disrupting sleep.

The noise, though not loud enough to fully awaken, was sufficient to interrupt sleep. This ultimately led to the creation of Morpheus, a fusion of art and science that visualised the recorded sound data. Each brushstroke and curve on the canvas represented sound waves moving through time, with lines showing the amplitude of sonic vibrations. A broken circle in the artwork symbolises the disrupted sleep, peaking in the early morning.

The process for Morpheus involved recording ambient noises every night for two months. This signifies Tiziana’s wider practice, which involves consistently collecting data through various mediums like writing and sound recording, often over extended periods. This has resulted in a large archive, an analogue record of moments from life. This data intricately intertwines with personal metrics, including physical aspects such as breathing patterns and social dimensions like quantifiable interactions.

Morpheús (night), 2022, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm, Giclée print archival inks. Limited edition of 10, numbered and signed.