Data, not Body
"Data, not Body" is an installation that encapsulates my online identity, through presenting synthesized information retrieved from key data platforms that I frequently use. The visualization composes of keywords juxtaposed over dynamic generative art work which is created with openFrameworks.
This is a project done in my second semester at the MFA Design and Technology program. The installation is exhibited at the Major Major show, an interactive showcase of work by first year students.
In the era of social media, how do we define who we are? It is inevitable that our identities become multi-dimensional and more complex. We exist as not a single physical body, but the collective sum of our physical and digital footprint. In this project, I aim to create a lens that provide me with a perspective to examine my own identity. Referencing Zach Blas, “Contra-Internet” and “Data Portrait” by Judith Donath et al from MIT Media Lab, I searched for a way to formulate identities from the content of online platforms, and explored the field of data visualization in order to examine ways in which we knowingly or unknowingly present ourselves.
Body-storming
In an initial storyboard, I curated an interaction of two strangers connecting. As they reveal more information about themselves, an interactive wall starts to show related information that could potentially embarrass them or surprise the other party.
Prototyping + Fabrication
The prototype shown above is an openFrameworks script projected as an interactive installation, where a word cloud of your information follows you as you walk around. This prototype encouraged me to continue to project my work life-size and maintain a relationship between the artwork and the human scale. However, the experience is delayed and almost feels too intentional and performance like. I also realized that the information that comes from people searching website, although personal, is not very descriptive or compelling.
“Data, not Body” is composed of projected generative artwork and physical sculptures. The visualization is composed of keywords juxtaposed over dynamic generative art work is created with openFrameworks. There are four different stages in the visualization, the algorithm that creates the art of each stage corresponds to the nature of the digital platform it is representing. For example, to visualize the terms and phrases that Facebook uses to describe me, I chose the form of lines converging at one center point, visualizing a network with its center set as the main user; as for the stage that presents my popular Instagram hashtags, a swarm of keywords move among a grid, almost as if they are scanning each image on the Instagram grid and identifying keywords from them. In the process, I tested multiple times to find a perfect position for the projector so the flow of traffic would not disrupt the projection. I fabricated the sculptures with irredescent plexi glass, mounted with laser cut paper on top of acrylic stands.
MAJOR MAJOR
Parsons MFADT First Year Exhibition
This project was installed at Major Major show, an interactive showcase for first year MFADT student projects. For the many people who are seeing this project for the first time, I chose to provide as little instruction or explanation as possible. There is no signage or writing other than a wall-mounted plate with the project name on it. I aimed to keep the installation open for interpretation, and give my audience time to try to digest the information and put together the different stages like pieces of a puzzle.
