Temporary Atlas: Mapping the Self in the Art of Today at MOSTYN

June 25–September 25, 2022

MOSTYN is pleased to present Temporary Atlas: Mapping the Self in the Art of Today. 

Temporary Atlas is an exhibition that explores a different, complementary approach to mapping in the classic sense. There are several ways to use mapping or cartography to understand our location in the world, including societally accepted cartography, scientifically applied cartography, and individually perceived cartography. Each of us evaluates, prioritizes, and values things differently; not all parts of life are valued equally, and map representations are molded by the map’s purpose and the map maker’s objectives.

Temporary Atlas’ 17 cartographer-artists use a mapping approach that is based on the traditional meaning of map as a representation of reality, but expands, complicates, and challenges it by developing the concept of cartography along unconventional paths—those of the subconscious, spirituality, thought, identity, feeling, and all the idiosyncrasies that are present and intermingle in each of us.

The pieces on show propose perceptual and physical maps that offer insight into the artists’ own experiences while also suggesting mental landscapes in which the viewer might locate themselves; worlds beyond objective geographical coordinates.

Temporary Atlas is an attempt to identify a transversal, intimate, and observant reading of the self using visual, audio, and spatial means. As a result, the exhibition proposes ways for us to comprehend our emotional, political, and aesthetic perspectives, make sense of our circumstances, and enrich our personal experiences in relation to the society we now live in.

Temporary Atlas, includes works by artists Sanford Biggers, Seymour Chwast, Jeremy Deller, Sarah Entwistle, Enam Gbewonyo, Rochelle Goldberg, Oliver Laric, James Lewis, Ibrahim Mahama, Paul Maheke, Matt Mullican, Otobong Nkanga, Kiki Smith, Walid Raad and specially commissioned work from three Welsh artists Manon Awst, Adéolá Dewis and Paul Eastwood.

Temporary Atlas was on view at Gallerie delle Prigioni in Treviso, Italy, from February 5 until May 29, 2022.

Curated by Dr Alfredo Cramerotti, this exhibition has been supported by the Arts Council Wales, Fondazione Imago Mundi and Fondazione Benetton Studi e Ricerche.

Associate Curator: Kalliopi Tsipni-Kolaza.