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Ava Mullem
Distortions of the Earth
Maps are inherently fiction. It is impossible to flatten a globe’s surface without distortions, thus there is no objectively correct way to do so. As a flat abstraction of the Earth, maps become the bridge between place and ideology, reshaping landforms to serve an intended purpose. These alterations then mold our understanding and mental projection of the greater world, and how we imagine ourselves, and others, on a global scale. This warping of landmasses is inseparable from the biases and social context of the map’s creator. Our impressions and judgements of foreign places become both the cause and result of a map’s appearance. Through examining this cyclical relationship between world maps and our perceptions of the Earth, my work highlights how these perceptions can be distorted on both individual and cultural levels. Maps assist in the creation of national identity, while simultaneously being influenced by the unique position of said nation. A map reflects and enforces a nation’s history, ideologies, and position in global relations. It is important that we challenge and interrogate our relationships with maps, acknowledging that our unique experiences shape our visions of the planet and its people. By having a critical lens towards the maps we encounter, we can form a greater appreciation for the deeper truths of humanity they reveal and embody.
