Curated by Clare Norwood

If we equate maps with truth, what power does the mapmaker possess?

World-renowned alternative cartographer and author of The Power of Maps, Denis Wood called our time the age of maps on the public radio show This American Life. On CNN, Wood said, The things that are of immense concern to us as human beings are social realities, and (most) maps don't show those. In his writing and in his art, Wood explores the constructed reality maps offer. Maps give us reality that exceeds our vision, our reach, the span of our days, a reality we achieve no other way, he writes in The Power of Maps. We are always mapping the invisible or the unattainable or the erasable, the future or the past. Wood brings his unique perspective and unparalleled knowledge of cartographic history and the significance of maps to the CAC in a lecture Monday, June 9 at 6:30 pm.

Maps have a remarkable effect on our view of the world. At the root of their power is our frequently unquestioning acceptance of cartographic messages. Though we equate maps with truth, it is crucial to be conscious of the omissions and limitations of the map making process in order to create a readable map. Thus in turn, maps and their makers have the ability to manipulate their audience with the information chosen to include.

This exhibition addresses the subjective nature of mapping, how we locate ourselves in consideration of changing boundaries and territories, and how we give visual form to boundaries, territories and land masses. Artists in this exhibition confront the politics of naming of places, cartographic attacks on ethnic sensitivity, maps as evidence in boundary disputes, extension of terrestrial boundaries into nautical masses, and maps as scientific and political voice. The war in Iraq and the Middle east, the changing scape of New Orleans, the shifting boundaries in Africa, expanding cities, suburbs, dwindling country and rezoning in our local communities- all of these issues are materials for artists in the exhibition.

Artists:

Brian Alfred · Noriko Ambe · Radcliffe Bailey · Jimmy Baker · Bill Brown Jonathan Callan · Matt Coors · Russell Crotty · Leila Daw · Qin Ga
Torben Giehler · Zach Herrmann · Marco Maggi · Stefana McClure
Tim McMichael · Aleksandra Mir · Mollie Oblinger · Elin oHara Slavick

SPECIAL EVENTS:

» Monday, June 9 · 6:30 · Performance Space

World-renowned alternative cartographer and author of The Power of Maps, Denis Wood shares a unique perspective and unparalleled knowledge of cartographic history and the significance of maps in an evening lecture.

Above: Matt Coors, Here Be Dragons? (detail), 2005, ink and latex drafting film, 30 x 50 inches. Courtesy of private collection.

Right: Stefana McClure, Map of the World (Central Europe), 2006, cut paper, 22" circumference. Courtesy Jose Bienvenu Gallery, New York.<