Numerical Existence: Reflections on Curating Artistic Data Visualization Exhibitions

Data visualization is often associated with efficiency and the production of insights. However, visual artworks that utilize data as their artistic medium, often referred to as data art or artistic visualizations, receive less attention, especially in discussions surrounding exhibitions specifically focused on data visualization. Artistic visualization is typically presented and debated at conferences on data visualization and related areas in computing and design, usually involving an exhibition of works in parallel. While there are established exhibitions in electronic art, collective exhibitions focused on artistic data visualization, especially those independent of academic events, remain rare. Additionally, there is a limited amount of literature regarding the curatorial practice of specifically artistic data visualization exhibitions. This paper aims to contribute with the discussion of the curatorial processes behind two artistic data visualization exhibitions, Numerical Existence and Numerical Existence: Emergencies, held in Rio de Janeiro in 2018 and 2024, respectively. We will present a brief overview of curatorial attributes, identify the most common issues addressed in exhibitions dedicated to data visualization curated in artistic contexts, discuss the role and unique challenges of curatorial practice in this field, and share insights from our curatorial experience with two exhibitions. Furthermore, we will propose future directions for research and practice in the curation of artistic data visualization. Through this exploration, we aim to contribute to the curatorial practice of artistic data visualization, providing reflections and recommendations to enhance the development of this emerging field.