How Data Sound: Sonification in Artistic Context

• Author / Creator

  Ghayem, Nina

• This thesis investigates the use of sonification—transforming data into auditory representations—as an innovative approach to data interpretation within the Digital Humanities. As data continues to grow in complexity and volume, traditional methods of visualization are often insufficient to fully grasp the underlying patterns and insights. Sonification presents a promising alternative by providing an auditory dimension that not only complements visual analysis but also offers new avenues for understanding and engagement. This research-creation project focuses on sonification art, an arts practice that translates data from observations of real-world phenomena into musical parameters using mapping methods, with sound as a key medium for expression. By developing a comprehensive framework for sonification in artistic contexts, this thesis aims to bridge the gap between art, science, and technology. The project employs parameter mapping and algorithm development to translate various data dimensions into sound, creating a portfolio of sonified artworks that demonstrates the capability of auditory representations to uncover hidden patterns in a dataset and enrich data analysis. Through this interdisciplinary approach, this thesis contributes to the field of Digital Humanities by advancing the understanding of data representation and expanding the possibilities of artistic expression. By combining auditory and visual data representations, the project seeks to inspire new forms of creative exploration and dialogue, pushing the boundaries of how data can be perceived and utilized. The outcomes highlight the transformative potential of sonification in enhancing both the interpretative and aesthetic dimensions of data, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation and collaboration across diverse domains.

  The audiovisual work can be viewed in this Aviary playlist: https://ualberta.aviaryplatform.com/p/i11RYvuX374z9tqqX_6OTg==

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Sonification
  • Digital Humanities
  • Sound Studies
  • Data
  • Research Creation

• Graduation date

  Fall 2024

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Arts

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-xn3s-7n24

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Library with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.