User:RazorXX8

Organization: Art-Based Data Structures
The organization of data structures is the way a certain piece of artwork is structured or displayed in order to create a certain pattern. Without setting a certain format for a piece of artwork, it would appear nonsensical. Throughout the late 20th century, many artists of new media art such as Lev Manovich and Scott McCloud struggled to define and separate forms of new media art. One of whom, Bill Viola in his 1982 article "Will There be Condominiums in Data Space," divided the organization of art into three forms exemplified by 3 different structures of databases: "branching", "matrix", and "schizo" structures.

The "branching" structure follows a pre-set guideline. Viewers must begin from the top of the structure and continue to the bottom of the structure. Although there are a certain amount of forking paths that the viewer may choose, he/she is essentially going from point A in the structure to point Z. This process is known as following a linear array of information. The "matrix" structure in a database is one that gives the viewer more versatility in options of viewing. This viewer can begin exploring the database from any point, move through it in any direction, at any speed, and leave the database at any time. This is a similar sequence to exploring a new territory. This form of organization is known as nonlinear. The "schizo" structure is one that is more unique compared to the other two structures. In this structure there are multiple pathways that the viewer can choose when searching for information. However, none of the pathways that he/she can choose are equal in length. This shows more of a view into the authors psychological and neurological state of mind at the time of producing the art. This form of organization shows slight signs of non-linearity but has come to be known as randomness.

Reference(s)

 * "Will there be Condominiums in Data Space" -Bill Viola