Based on my understanding, the idea of a multimedia object as a database refers to the way in which an object, be it a series of physical paintings or an interactive website, can act as a collection and presentation of information. For example, the Lourve museum offers online tours through an interactive database of its exhibitions. Alternatively, as we saw in class, the Sistine Chapel serves as a sort of database of Biblical events. John Whitney’s animations serve as a database for what his experimental special effects were capable of. The Eminem site made by SoFake presents an interactive way to experience his narrative. Though all of these multimedia objects span a great deal of artistic outlets, these pieces can all be interpreted to be unique databases in their own right.
As discussed in the video above, the visualization of data in art creates interesting and unique new possibilities in presenting information. It approaches data from a more practical perspective, in that it prioritizes the communication of content over the design and visual aesthetic. However, it certainly does not disregard the visuals of the presentation of data, but instead emphasizes the importance of its correlation to the database for which it is providing an interface. A good example of this from class would be My Body by Shelly Jackson, which presents a unique interface to explain her very personal stories involving her body. Her site allows you to click on different sections of her body and redirects you to the passage she has written about a particular part, and within these passages are links to other body parts. This article by Ben Howell Davis explores in more detail the intricacies of an effective interface and database relationship seen in multimedia objects such as My Body. He speaks specifically about the way a successful interface communicates its message strongly and is functional as a tool of navigation, especially in the context of large databases.
The idea of linking databases and interfaces with the way we create and express art has been an interesting if not confusing concept to grasp. This article by Don Sinclair simplistically explains the definitions of database and interface in the context of what Manovich writes about as well as in the context of the author’s own work.
Amberry Jam 