After rendering and printing the crystals as three-dimensional objects, we considered other media that might be suitable to express the data, as well as other senses that could be engaged. In particular, we were interested in how music might be applied, and proceeded to assign sounds to each of the indices. A layered soundscape soon evolved for each country that could either be played individually or woven together in conjunction with other countries, creating a fascinating and “otherworldly” atmosphere. In seeking to take our exploration of sound further, we partnered with composer and musician Marc Ganetakos for the Nuit Blanche installation to compose a musical score with data from Canada, the United States, India, Brazil, and Russia.

Our initial experiences with sound inspired us to imagine how these same data might be communicated through movement. By teaming up with Roberto Campanella and dancers from his contemporary ballet company ProArteDanza, we pursued the idea further to see what creative expression might unfold.