Art, Visual Illusions, and Data Visualization (Dagstuhl Seminar 24301)

Abstract

This report presents the program and outcomes of Dagstuhl Seminar 24301, titled "Art, Visual Illusions, and Data Visualization." The seminar explored the intersection of art, visual illusions, and data science - three distinct yet interconnected disciplines that share a focus on visual representation and perception. Art serves as a medium for storytelling and complex visual communication, while visual illusions offer insights into cognitive and perceptual mechanisms. Data science complements these fields with advanced methods for analyzing and visualizing complex datasets. The seminar examined historical and contemporary examples of the interplay between these domains, showcasing artists such as M.C. Escher, Bridget Riley, and Yayoi Kusama, as well as modern practitioners like Laurie Frick, Refik Anadol, and Giorgia Lupi. These examples illustrate how visual illusions and data visualization techniques have been used to challenge perceptions, uncover hidden patterns, and foster deeper understanding. By bringing together experts in art, cognitive psychology, and data science, the seminar fostered interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. Participants explored innovative approaches to visual storytelling and data communication, emphasizing the potential of integrating artistic methods, perceptual insights, and computational tools to create engaging and intuitive visualizations. The seminar highlighted the rich synergies at the intersection of these fields, advancing both theory and practice in visual representation and perception.