First and foremost, one aspect of the case study that I found interesting the many ways that data can be used to make different types of art work.  Through this, I gained a better sense of how data presented in art and how it allows for more subjectivity and analysis of the viewer. Data artists step back from presenting information, an analysis of data, and display data in its natural form. At first, this was a difficult concept to grasp, however as I continued to learn about different practices in presenting data in art it became clearer. I especially saw this when the author described data used as an index, or “indexical data.” The examples provide the viewer with insight to how this practice is applied, such as with The Dumpster. The artist does nothing more than provide data in the artwork, allowing for the viewer to analyze it and conclude to what would be information. Especially through this indexical approach to data there seems to be a greater connection to reality and allowing one to possibly provide deeper analysis. Though the author presents the abject practice of data art as a contrasting form in comparison to indexical data, there is still the unifying theme of a need for the viewer’s on input to the piece. I feel that this is what unites each practice of data art. The data is presented in such a way that one’s own interpretation is necessary for the entire work to have meaning.

-Bridget Miller