The media of our modern world are saturated by data visualizations and information graphics. It is noticeable that they strongly resemble each other because of the uniformity of data graphic conventions. The problem lies in our inability to connect with dry data. Visual translations into diagrams and charts enable a better understanding but neglect the data’s context. Thus, the gap between the abstract information and our reality remains.

We need images that resemble our real experiences yet include an abstract parameter which transfers information in an intuitive manner. This thesis aims to bridge this perceptual gap through the use of photography: Realistic depictions and data values interact. The formless data adopts the visual form of the image whereby it re-forms the photograph.

The conducted experiments explore a translation method based on the concept of indexicality. By this technique, the visual output of the visualization images is directly caused by the nature of the data.