Digital Art Goes "Commons" Place

New digital art installation in McKeldin Library showcases computer programming skills of six art students.

By Tracey Themne, Terp Magazine

Part IMAX movie, part screensaver—in the new digital art installation in McKeldin Library, data becomes art. 

The vibrant display projected along the 70-foot corridor of the new Terrapin Learning Common showcases the computer programming skills of six students who sought to make art out of life’s everyday events.

“The works are dynamic visualizations that are generated in real time,” says Associate Professor Brandon Morse, who led the project. “As such, they will change and evolve over time on their own, and will never look the same twice.”

The exhibit provides students’ perspectives on themes ranging from the human condition to vanity and creativity. Matthew Starsoneck ’12 revealed lines from great literature by gradually accumulating and layering letters of the alphabet. Brian George ’12 graphically represents real-time computer use by showing arcs emanating from Maryland to places around the globe where students are accessing servers.

The Terrapin Learning Commons, the second-floor space in McKeldin Library that encourages collaboration, is a perfect place for such an installation and partnership, says Pat Steele, dean of University Libraries.

“Libraries are so much more than books—they are environments to engage and inspire,” she says. “We contribute to student learning in many ways, and in this case it’s especially satisfying to be able to display and enjoy the results.”

Watch a video on this program at http://ter.ps/1pv.