COSMOS: An Innovative, Graph-based Application for the Relational Presentation and Visualization of Greek Mythology and the Associated Art

Abstract

The project “COSMOS. Cultural Osmosis - Mythology & Art” covers the development of an application for the presentation of Greek Mythology and its related Art, in an innovative and interactive way, using AI technology. The COSMOS application takes one step beyond the usual practice of the linear narration of myths and the depiction of related artwork images, as found in existing applications. COSMOS is developed in two interconnected levels, Myths, and Art, each organized in three data visualization, dynamic windows. In level Myths, these windows present a) the Stories in a Character-oriented organization (e.g., Zeus Thematic), b) the participating Characters, and c) the Places where the Stories unfold. Ιn level Art, respectively, they present a) the depictions of the myths in ancient Artworks, b) the depicted Characters, and c) the Artworks place of origin if known, as well as their present location. The user can discover relations that are not obvious, such as (i) the connections and influences between different Stories, (ii) the various stories that take place in a specific location or (iii) the various stories that a specific Character participates, (iv) the Artworks exhibited in the same location, etc. To reveal the aforementioned relations, the User Interface design adopts a node-based approach, where the nodes' connections, based on shared elements, are displayed. Regarding the implementation, two systems were developed: The Knowledge Organization System and the Knowledge Presentation System. Employing cutting-edge technologies in the fields of Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and 3D Graphics, COSMOS visualizes Myths, Artworks, and the connections between them, engagingly and coherently. The COSMOS application was tested and evaluated in two events. The evaluation results from both events reflect the overall positive response of the audience, and validate the fulfillment of the objectives set at the beginning of the project. The final product intends to address a vast audience and it can be used a) as a study aid for anyone interested, b) for educational purposes, by teachers and students, c) as a reference tool for the production of research projects, and d) as a scientific documentation tool and artworks database, for exhibition curating purposes.