Is it a map or is it art. Does it matter

In an essay hosted by The Morning News, Katherine Harmon writes:

There has always been art in cartography. Maps by definition are utilitarian, of course; they bear implicit promises of routes into and out of the unknown. Yet the language of maps as developed over time is a beautiful one, filled with artistic potential. Cartographers have long known that deploying artistic skills and techniques can enhance a map’s effect, and have to varying degrees used visual creativity to make their maps more compelling. Now the relationship between maps and art has swung around; artists are using maps to further their artistic purposes. In postmodern times, with all truths suspect, artists have found in cartography a rich vein of concepts and imagery to mine. Cartographic rules give artists whole networks of assumptions to exploit and upend. In the last 50 years artists have produced much inspiring material for those who appreciate what art can tell us about maps, and how maps enhance art.

We highly recommend her essay, and the accompanying maps/art.  They’re this weeks “Map of the Week.”