List: 3 Things from the Exhibition - Art in the Commons: Data Visualising Jurong

The installation is a machine-knitted “diagram” derived from the artist’s analysis of memories about the Chinese Garden which have been contributed by members of the public. These responses ranged from detailed and heartfelt, to brief, vague, and even inaccurate. The titlrefersce to how these responses evolve from a shapeless mass of collected data into a textured network of collective memories which, for all their differences, describe sharedon space. This presentation by artist Berny Tan is the second cycle of Art in the Commons: Data Visualising Jurong, and is part of SAM’s collaboration with Science Centre Singapore to embark on community-based art programmes within the Jurong district.

Back in July of this year, I came across this exhibition online. An art exhibition using data visualisation. An interesting proposition. Excel tables drawings to lanterns. Here are 3 thoughts that I have after visiting the exhibition.

1. Data can be fun

Data by itself is often just a list of items and values in the form of an Excel or CSV. Visualisation takes data a step ahead. A step into making data more legible and consumable. People will not want to go through a table but glance through a visualisation.

2. Data can be art

It may be that I have been reading too many books driven towards better visualisation design on paper. It amazes me how a table can be turned into a piece of art in real life. However, turning data is not as easy as it seems. Meticulous planning is needed as the design still has to carry some form of data integrity.

3. Survey data can be experienced

Visualisations are more than just visuals. They convey experiences. They can be experienced. Imagine a bar chart coming to life in front of you. Certainly, you will have experienced a pie chart and a doughnut chart before.

All in all, this exhibition has allowed me to look at data through a different lens. Perhaps, creating a 3D visualisation is one thing I shall try in the near future.