Temporary Atlas: Mapping the Self in the Art of Today

Temporary Atlas: Mapping the Self in the Art of Today presents a selection of works that explore an alternative, complementary idea to cartography, the traditional science or practice of drawing maps.

The 17 cartographer-artists of Temporary Atlas investigate their perceptions using a traditional approach to mapping but expand it along unconventional paths. They reflect upon identity, spirituality, the subconscious, emotions, physical and mental sensation, and challenge the methods and rules we use to interpret such maps.

Each of us experiences, judges and assigns our personal priorities based upon our needs and context, and these priorities have been tested by the global pandemic.

The works on display propose perceptive and physical maps that provide insight into the artists’ personal experiences, whilst evoking mental landscapes within which the viewer can orientate themselves; worlds beyond objective geographical coordinates.

Temporary Atlas suggests ways in which we can try to make sense of our new circumstances and aims to deepen the dialogue on personal experience in relation to the society in which we now live.

Curated by our Director, Dr Alfredo Cramerotti, 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.

This exhibition has been supported by the Arts Council Wales, Fondazione Imago Mundi and Fondazione Benetton Studi e Ricerche.