America Varietal
real-time interactive system: 44 1/4 x 53 3/4 x 30 1/2 in. (112.4 x 136.5 x 77.5 cm)
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
American Varietal (U.S. Population, by County, 1790 – 2000) is an illuminated mural derived from more than two centuries of census data. Salavon created a three-dimensional digital model to represent the population growth of all 3,171 counties in the United States. Each veil of color maps a specific county, with its color derived from the corresponding state flag, and its shape depicting population growth over time. The resulting artwork transforms a snapshot of statistical data into a dynamic visual experience.
American Varietal (Atlas) is a computer program that Salavon designed to allow for a deeper exploration of his digital model of census data. The touch-sensitive screen features interactive animations of the model, which will evolve over time as new census data is added every ten years.