Temporary Atlas

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

Temporary Atlas is an exhibition that presents an alternative, complementary idea to mapping as conceived in a traditional sense. There are multiple ways one can use mapping or cartography to understand our place in the world, amongst them, a societally endorsed, scientifically applied cartography and an individually perceived one. Each of us assesses, prioritizes and rates things in a different way, not all aspects of life have the same value and map representations are shaped by the purpose of the map and the intentions of the map maker. 

The 17 cartographer-artists of Temporary Atlas adopt a mapping approach that is based on the traditional meaning of map as a representation of reality, but which expands it, complicates it, and challenges it—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 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 situate themselves; worlds beyond objective geographical coordinates.

Temporary Atlas is a visual, aural and spatial attempt to identify a transversal, intimate and perceptive reading of the self. In turn, the exhibition suggests ways in which we can perceive our emotional, political and aesthetic horizons, make sense of our circumstances and deepen our personal experiences in relation to the society in which we now live. 

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.