Data Art - Visualisation with Abstract Art
We are in an age where big data is playing a major role in every industry. However, data visualisation is a complicated process and commonly used for analysing collected data streams. But can there be an aesthetic value or understanding in data visualisation? This was the question of this research project and I wanted to find out what people think about abstract art created using real time data visualisation.
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Processing with carnivore library was used for packet sniffing to capture real time data transfers between a test device and internet. Using an algorithm, behaviour, identity and type of data packets were converted to a graphical format and then projected on to a blank white canvas for evaluation.
Evaluation of art or enjoying a masterpiece can be a unique personal experience. According to David Cunningham (2013), evaluation of traditional art can be universal or objective up to a certain point. He suggested that the same criteria (Memory, Reason and Imagination) used for evaluating intelligence can be used to evaluate/judge art. However, the viewer has full control over the evaluation process and perception also plays a major part.
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Random participants from different social & professional backgrounds were selected to evaluate this project outcome. In accordance with the project proposal, an abstract art generated from a real time data stream was displayed to the participants. An online questioner with 2 questions was presented to the participant to answer.
Q1: In your opinion, would you categorise what you saw as " Abstract Art " ?
Q2: My knowledge on " Abstract Art "
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The results were recorded using survey monkey anonymously and analysed for the conclusion of this research project.
However few adjustments were made to the initial project plan and methodology due to practical difficulties.
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No of Participants:
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Initial project proposal explains a total of 51 participants for the project, and due to final assessment and end of the semester rush total participants count was limited to 30 evaluators.
Display time:
Due to available time restrictions, display time was limited to 30 seconds.
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Conclusion
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According to participant feedback real time data visualisation can illustrate abstract art forms , therefore the project was successful. However evaluation of interactive digital art forms are different to traditional art forms. As an evaluator, being part of a digital interactive art, being one of the creators of that art changes perspective towards that particular form of art and also affects the conclusion of this research project. Also the algorithm that creates abstract art form, can be different depending on knowledge, experience and skill level of the programmer.
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Reflection
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I believe this research project has the potential to support many other areas such as, data consistency, security and other related fields. Also an improved and advanced algorithm to generate abstract art forms may lead a doorway to advanced data visualisation platforms. Also other than using random generation techniques, specific and well structured mapping between the data stream and generation engine may lead to both meaningful abstract art forms and graphical representations. ​
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Reference:
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Cunningham, D. (2013). How to Evaluate Art: A layman’s guide to understanding personal aesthetics. Retrieved 3 April, 2017, from http://www.davidhcunningham.com/2013/02/evaluate-art-laymans-guide-understanding-personal-aesthetics/