I Learn to Diffuse, or Data Alchemy 101: a Mnemonic Manifesto

Anonymous

Keywords: Visualization, Transdisciplinarity, AI Art, Extended Creativity, Data Alchemy

TL;DR: In this manifesto, we put forward the idea of data alchemy as a narrative device to discuss storytelling and transdisciplinarity in visualization.

Abstract: In this manifesto, we put forward the idea of data alchemy as a narrative device to discuss storytelling and transdisciplinarity in visualization. We use text-to-image generative art mainly based on Disco Diffusion (DD) to develop the concept, and structure our argument in ten propositions, as if they were ten issues of a comic novel on data alchemy: Ad Disco Diffusionem. To follow the argument, the reader must immerse themselves in our miro board, and navigate a multimedia semiotic topology that includes comics, videos, code demos, and ergotic literature in a true alchemic sense. Our colorful, sometimes poetic exposition should not distract the reader from the seriousness of the ideas discussed, but ultimately it is about the journey.