The upcoming “Data, Mine” exhibition at Transylvania University’s Morlan Gallery will offer artistic takes on an issue seemingly ripped from today’s headlines: What’s to do with all that information computers dig up on us?
Running Jan. 16 to Feb. 19, the show will feature the works of nationally renowned data visualization artists Hasan Elahi and Laurie Frick.
Elahi, who is a University of Maryland art professor, started an elaborate project in self-surveillance in the early 2000s when he was mistakenly put on a terrorist watch list. His work examines issues of surveillance, citizenship, migration, transport and challenges of borders and frontiers.
Frick, an artist with a business background, anticipates the future of data and envisions a time when personal data is a unique glimpse into our hidden personality. She is currently mining data from the OkCupid dating site to create visual patterns helping people to better understand one another.
The exhibition is part of Transylvania’s New Frontiers feature event series, which asks the public to go beyond the familiar and explore ideas, art and music.
Elahi and Frick will visit Transylvania on Thursday, Jan. 24, for a free lecture titled “You’re Being Followed: A Discussion about Data Prediction, Privacy, and Digital Tracking.” Emily Goodman, a Transylvania assistant professor of art history, will moderate the conversation beginning at 6 p.m. in Carrick Theater. A reception for the artists will follow in Morlan Gallery.
Coinciding with the “Data, Mine” exhibition, Transylvania’s Creative Intelligence series will present two additional events: Data Visualization on Jan. 31 with Tim Meko, who is a deputy graphics designer for the Washington Post and a Transylvania grad; and Medical Application of Data and 3D Digital Elements on Feb. 7. Both events will start at 7:30 p.m. in Carrick Theater.
“Data, Mine” and related programing is supported by Transylvania’s new Digital Liberal Arts initiative, which teaches students how digital technologies affect the world of today and tomorrow.
Special Events and Hours
- Lexington Gallery Hop – Friday, Jan. 18, 5-8 p.m.
- Closed Monday, Jan. 21, for MLK Jr. Day
- Art Talk with Laurie Frick and Hasan Elahi – Thursday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m., Carrick Theater, with a reception to follow in Morlan Gallery, 7-8 p.m.
- Data Visualization with the Washington Post’s Tim Meko – Thursday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m., Carrick Theater
- Medical Application of Data and 3D Digital Elements – Thursday, Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m., Carrick Theater
All events are free and open to the public. Both Morlan Gallery and Carrick Theater are in the Mitchell Fine Arts Center. Plenty of free, nearby parking is available.
