This network analysis from MOMA maps the rise of abstraction artwork between 1910 and 1925.
Nodes and Edges
In this network, prominent artists in the abstraction movement during this time period (1910-1925) act as the nodes. The network differentiates between artists who had relationships with over 24 others in the network, coloring their name node orange, and those who had fewer than 24 relations with other in the network, coloring their nodes white. All of the nodes in this project are artists, but some of them are primarily known for their work critiquing or other arts related professions. The edges in this network signify relationships between artists. The project defines a relationship as a documented acquaintance during the years 1910-1925.
How to Interact with the Project?
This network is very interactive, allowing the viewer to click and drag around to explore the connections from different angles. The network takes on a three dimensional shape, so be able to drag around it provides a very unique perspective to something that is typically thought of as flat or two dimensional. Additionally, users can click on an individual node of the network to isolate the mini network of that particular artist. This allows the user to more easily compare the networks of different artists. Another unique aspect of this project is that when the artist’s name is clicked on, a brief biography of them will come up, along with photos of their art. This biography highlights their importance and contribution to the abstraction movement, and also shows where they were born, where they worked, when they died, and their interests. The example artworks can then be clicked on to gain a full screen view and more information about the piece specifically. Because of the layers to this network, the user feels very engaged in exploring the project. Initially, the network appears fairly straightforward, but as mini networks are isolated and biographies appear, it is clear just how much information this project stores.
