The Intersection of Art and Data: The Art Datis Project and the Legacy of Sybren Valkema

The Art Datis Project

The Art Datis project exists at the nexus of art history and digital humanities, uniquely combining traditional art research with modern data science. Central to the project is the extensive archive of Sybren Valkema (1916-1996), a renowned Dutch glass artist whose life and work are documented in a rich collection of personal and professional materials. The project not only encompasses Valkema's legacy but also explores innovative methods of digitization and datification to make the archive accessible and analyzable for future research.

In the summer of 2024, we spoke with Carlotta Capurro (Utrecht University) about this fascinating project and the intersection of art and data.

The Genesis of Art Datis

The Art Datis project, launched in September 2018, was originally conceived as a four-year project involving two PhD candidates: an art historian and glass artist (Anna Carlgren) and a data scientist (Vera Provatorova). Their task was to examine Valkema's archive, which includes everything from personal letters and administrative documents to glass recipes and correspondence with other artists. This archive, covering the postwar period until Valkema's death in the 1990s, offers a comprehensive overview of his contributions to glass art.

The project faced significant challenges early on, leading to delays and adjustments. Carlotta Capurro, who later joined as a postdoctoral researcher, played a crucial role in getting the project back on track. With a background in art history and digital heritage, Carlotta's expertise was essential in navigating the complex tasks of digitizing and datifying the archive.

Collaborative Efforts

The project is a collaboration between Utrecht University, the University of Amsterdam, the RKD (Netherlands Institute for Art History), the Vrij Glas Foundation, and Picturae. The University of Amsterdam played a significant role, particularly in supervising data science methodologies. The physical and digital custodians of the archive, the Vrij Glas Foundation and RKD respectively, provided essential support in managing and enriching the collection. Additionally, Picturae, a company specialized in digitization, was invaluable in the early stages of the project, having previously digitized a large part of Valkema's archive in collaboration with the National Glass Museum.

Challenges

One of the primary obstacles was transforming the digitized documents into machine-readable formats. Although the documents were scanned, they were essentially "too mute" lacking the metadata necessary for extensive data analysis. "An extremely time-consuming and not always enjoyable task," Carlotta laughs.

Carlotta's work involved developing models for handwriting recognition across multiple languages and different scripts, reflecting the diverse sources within Valkema's archive. She explains, "We had to create a system that was not only accurate but also flexible enough to handle the different languages and scripts. This was crucial for the usability of the archive."

Another significant aspect the Art Datis project encountered was copyright issues. Digitizing and publishing Valkema's archive required careful handling of the copyright on documents belonging to him and all those involved in his work and life.

Innovative Approaches to Digitization

Carlotta’s approach combined theoretical research with practical applications. She utilized techniques such as Transkribus, a European platform for handwriting recognition, to create a flexible system capable of processing documents in the most frequently used languages in the archive: Dutch, English, German, and French. This system aimed to balance accuracy and efficiency, making the documents readable and usable for further research.

Additionally, the project explored the use of automatic annotation tools to enrich the archive's metadata. This process involved comparing manually annotated documents with those processed by automated systems to ensure consistency and accuracy. Carlotta elaborates: "It was challenging to find the right balance between manual and automatic annotation. We wanted to ensure that the data was both reliable and detailed enough."

Broad Impact

Beyond the technical achievements, the Art Datis project provided deep insights into Valkema's world. His involvement in the Studio Glass Movement (“Vrij Glas” in Dutch), an international initiative to promote glass art, was a key focus of the research. Valkema's work, influenced by both European traditions and American innovations, highlighted the transatlantic exchange of knowledge and techniques within the glass art community.

Carlotta’s meticulous examination of the correspondence within the archive revealed the extensive network of artists, curators, and institutions connected to Valkema. This network not only underscored his influence in the art world but also reflected broader socio-cultural trends of the time, including the evolution of art education and institutional developments in postwar Europe.

Reflections and Future Directions

For Carlotta, the Art Datis project, despite its challenges, was intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding. "It was an immense learning experience," Carlotta proudly recounts. "Every step brought new insights and challenges, and it was worth it to preserve and unlock Valkema's legacy." By digitizing and analyzing Sybren Valkema's extensive archive, the project not only honors his contributions to glass art but also paves the way for future research. "Interdisciplinarity is truly the strength of this project, a brilliant example of crossing art history and data," Carlotta concludes.