Maps as media art / EMAP Capacity Building workshop

Introduction

At the forefront of innovative storytelling and data visualization, the EMAP Capacity Building Workshop focused on the powerful relationship between maps and media art. Hosted by Pablo at the Laboral Art and Industrial Creation Center in Asturias, North Spain, the workshop brought together esteemed professionals from varying backgrounds to discuss the evolving nature of mapping and its integration into contemporary artistic practices.

Context of the Workshop

The EMAP (European Media Art Platform) aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing amongst artists and practitioners in the media art field. This workshop specifically delved into the theme "Maps as Media Art," exploring the transformations brought about by digital technologies and the complex narratives that maps encapsulate.

Exploring the Theme

Pablo opened the session by introducing three prominent figures in the field of critical cartography: Blag, Fai Joo, and Mamata Kella. Each speaker contributed insights and experiences, revealing how maps serve not only as tools for navigation but as dynamic platforms for storytelling, political engagement, and immersive experiences.

Presentations

Blag: His work focuses on critical cartography intertwined with journalism and data visualization. He discussed the evolution of maps from mere evidence to meta-narratives that interrogate political and social structures. By utilizing maps as multi-dimensional spaces, he emphasized the importance of allowing viewers to interpret maps in their own ways, akin to exploring an open-world game.
Fai Joo: A spatial designer and former architect, she presented a multimedia approach to cartography, showcasing her involvement in the FAL Atlas project. Fai highlighted the interplay between landscapes and narratives, utilizing a combination of visual, audio, and written mediums to present complex ecological and social issues. She argued for maps that encapsulate the intertwined relations between human experiences and environmental realities.
Mamata Kella: She introduced Felt, a modern cloud-native GIS platform that democratizes access to cartographic tools. Mamata provided a live demonstration of how to create interactive maps, emphasizing Felt's potential for artists and cultural practitioners. Through examples like creating walking tour maps, she illustrated how to weave narratives into maps, effectively turning static information into engaging experiences.

Workshop Goals

The primary goal of the workshop was to inspire attendees to reimagine the potential of maps as media art. By showcasing various examples, including interactive maps and artistic representations, the speakers encouraged participants to think critically about the narratives maps can convey and the tools that can bring these narratives to life.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this capacity building workshop provided a collaborative space where critical cartographers and media artists could come together, share their insights, and explore how mapping can be transformed into a dynamic art form. The interactions during the workshop signified the rich potential maps offer in visual storytelling, political dialogue, and cultural reflection.

Keywords

EMAP
Maps
Media Art
Capacity Building Workshop
Critical Cartography
Data Visualization
Interactive Maps
Storytelling
Ecological Issues

FAQ

Q1: What is the main focus of the EMAP Capacity Building Workshop? The primary focus is exploring the relationship between maps and media art, emphasizing how mapping can be transformed into a dynamic art form through storytelling and visual engagement.

Q2: Who were the main speakers at the workshop? The workshop featured three prominent figures: Blag, Fai Joo, and Mamata Kella, each sharing their unique perspectives on critical cartography, multimedia mapping, and modern GIS tools.

Q3: How can maps serve as storytelling tools? Maps can convey complex narratives by allowing viewers to interpret spatial data in their own ways, making them a powerful medium for storytelling, especially when combined with other multimedia elements.

Q4: What digital tools were showcased during the workshop? Felt, a modern cloud-native GIS platform, was highlighted, showcasing its capabilities for creating interactive maps that incorporate various forms of media to enhance narrative experiences.

Q5: How did the workshop aim to inspire participants? By showcasing innovative examples and encouraging discussions, the workshop aimed to inspire participants to rethink the potential of maps as tools for visual storytelling and cultural reflection.