Information Design ~ Reading Day 12 ~ Our reading assignment for the day is a bit of a time travel on several levels. First of all, we are reviewing an essay that had been assigned to us from about three weeks ago. Secondly, the subject matter takes us on a journey back about 14 billion years in its interpretation of the history of the expanding universe. An excellent juxtaposition by Bethany Armstrong!
Regardless of my position on the validity of the “science”, my appreciation for the artistic interpretation of the cosmic adventure is whelmed. David Weinberg, Ohio State University, Department of Astronomy gives us his thoughts in his essay From the Big Bang to the Mutiverse: Translations in Space and Time. In his essay, he follows the artist Josiah McElheny’s process in creating “An End to Modernity”. Josiah wanted to capture the theory of evolution in all its big bang glory. Not your everyday simple consignment!
I think the real art here was in his dedication to detail. Josiah was true to his vision in regurgitating out his glass and wire masterpiece. I found fascinating lessons in his methods of interpretation. As I read the essay and followed Josiah’s methodology, I couldn’t help but think of J.K. Rowling and her fanciful run of Harry Potter. Both have made beauty out of the wonders of their mind.
I have learned that Information Design can take on many forms. The historical charts and maps were the building blocks for the graphs of news papers and signs. Color printing and technological advances brought life to ink and video. Kiosks, computers and phones hold and deliver more information now than ever dreamed possible… at least until tomorrow. Huh, how’s that for an evolution that needs no theory?!
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