Panel Discussion: Art, Information, and Mapping

In conjunction with the exhibition You Are Here NYC: Art, Information, and Mapping which presents data-based maps of NYC, by artists and information designers, that address an increasingly relevant question: in what forms can data visualization become art, and how can artists make data visible? Curated by Katharine Harmon, author of You Are Here–NYC: Mapping the Soul of the City, with Jessie Braden.

Jessie Braden (moderator) is Director of Pratt’s Spatial Analysis and Visualization Initiative Lab. She is an expert in using geospatial techniques for sustainability and participatory planning. She has been working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) since 1999, applying spatial analysis to environmental management and conservation in urban areas. Jessie developed and oversees a Certificate Program in GIS and Design at Pratt Institute for adult professionals seeking to make compelling, data-driven maps and visualizations to solve real-world problems.

Ekene Ijeoma is an artist working at the intersections of design and technology by creating contemporary representations and interventions of socio-political issues. Commissioners of his work include, among others: Annenberg Space for Photography (Los Angeles), Neuberger Museum of Art. His work has been presented by numerous galleries and museums including Modern Museum of Art (New York), Design Museum (London), Istanbul Design Biennial, and Storefront for Art and Architecture. He was featured on the cover of GDUSA’s People to Watch “who embody the spirit of the creative community.”

Doug McCune is an artist who embraces data exploration and map making in an attempt to come to terms with the chaos of urban environments. Trained in programming, he uses 3D printing and laser cutting to bring digital forms to physical space.

Jer Thorp is an artist with a background in genetics. His digital art practice explores the many-folded boundaries between science, data, art, and culture. His data-inspired artwork has been shown around the world, most recently in New York’s Times Square, and at the Museum of Modern Art (New York). Jer’s talks on TED.com have been watched by more than a half-million people. He is a frequent speaker at high profile events such as PopTech and The Aspen Ideas Festival. His work has been featured in numerous magazines and publications.

Sarah Williams is currently an Associate Professor of Technology and Urban Planning and also Director of the Civic Data Design Lab at MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning. Williams is most well known for her work as part of the Million Dollar Blocks team which highlighted the cost of incarceration. Williams’ design work has been widely exhibited including work in the Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Cooper Hewitt Museum.

Free and open to the public.

The exhibition in Pratt Manhattan Gallery will be open prior to and after the panel discussion.