The central idea of this project lies in the exploration of cartography, specifically in maritime terms, allowing for active interaction on the part of the viewer, if the viewer wishes. The maps, which represent the geography of the Earth in terms of scale, present highly abstract forms, despite their consideration as figurative representations. It is important to note that conventional maps, in particular the Mercatorian projection of the world map, are fictional constructs that remain entrenched today.
Furthermore, the deliberate distortion in the scale of countries, where the northern hemisphere appears significantly enlarged in comparison to the southern hemisphere, was done with a strong colonialist consciousness and prejudice. This alteration not only distorts the true scale of countries, but also accentuates geopolitical inequalities. This phenomenon represents a relevant social problem, which highlights the importance of addressing this issue. The project therefore aims to foreground not man-made land divisions, but areas of the planet free of political influence, such as the oceans and the Mediterranean Sea, to explore both the abstract forms of the seas and to present them in the form of puzzles. The proposal also aims to exploit the sense of touch, which is fundamental in the learning process, allowing the manipulation and arrangement of the pieces in an interactive way. To do this, the technique of décollage with acrylic was initially considered, but this option was discarded due to the increase in weight it would entail. Instead, we opted to use magnets to facilitate the manipulation and play of the pieces, providing a more accessible and attractive experience for spectators of all ages.
