Katy Andrews

fig 1. 3D translation and rendering of the gestures 'drawn' on a canvas.

Cartography is a tangible artefact promoting a playfully collaborative environment. Putting participants in the role of an explorer, Cartography invites them to chart out newly discovered lands.

Using simple gestures you can create islands and contribute to a virtual world which grows and evolves as more people engage with it. Participants use a quill inlaid with a magnetic switch which activates the canvas. Drawing on the canvas renders the line.

Two types of line define the island. The outer line encompassing other lines, constitutes a flat island. To chart island topography, participants drew ‘mountain’ lines. Please refer to fig. 2:

fig 2. The drawing surface and gestures.

The phsyical set-up of the installation was themed as though looking out a window. The rendered island (as illustrated in fig. 1.) was rear-projected onto the screen behind the window. The charting canvas was also rear-projected into the ‘blotter’ on the table when the quill was lifted. Please refer to fig. 3.

fig 3. Physical set-up of the installation.