Memories, wanderlust, exploration
Coordinates, scales, projections, dimensions, labels, buildings, borders, streets and railway lines – for Jo, maps are memories and a reflection of dreams and exploration. He disassembles, rearranges and transforms space and invites the viewer’s mind to wander: With intricately layered maps, laser cut from paper.
Maps have always been art, descriptive, imaginative and often suggestive. Maps help educate, navigate, define borders, transport lines, habitats and much more. Jo engages the viewers of his maps to let their minds wander by drawing them into details of places they know – or dream of. Jo’s work surfaces memories and dreams. His art is both amazingly detailed and accurate – and deliberately twisted and transformed: He wants to hear the stories, wants to surprise the viewers and tries to elicit the emotions that are intertwined with places.
“It’s mostly been a passion, eventually transforming into a bit of an obsession. Now it’s a craft. But the passion remains.” – Jo
The man behind the map
Jo’s is obsessed with maps. He is passionate about how viewers of his work engage with places. He always wants to hear yet another place memory. With data and technology at his fingertips, he not just creates and mirrors reality but plays with transformations to surprise the viewer.
A slice of the world in different formats
Each map is a bespoke masterpiece, tailored to your memories or dreams. From intricate road grids to cherished landmarks, Mapperia maps capture the essence of any location.
Behind the artist
Materials
Sustainability and supporting local businesses are important for Mapperia. Jo has sourced great eco-friendly vendors for paper, silk and yarn.
Paper
Jo works with paper and cardboard from Cartonnerie Jean in Creuse, France. Their paper “Les Naturals” has been awarded the BLUE ANGEL label for its adherence to strict technical and environmental criteria such as the exclusion of dangerous substances and the use of fibers made from 100% waste paper.
Binding
The thread Jo uses for the Japanese Stab Binding is the pure silk como thread that comes from the Empress Mills in Lancashire, who revived their family’s 100 year old weaving trade business after it collapsed in the 70s.
Frames
Jo builds the circular frames (on request) himself – or you can find a professional framer (like Ingo Fincke) to work with. Please use UV protective glass so the paper isn’t exposed to direct sunlight.
Makerspace
The South London Makerspace is a social community workshop where Jo has gone found the inspiration to experiment with different tools – and it was an eye-opening experience: A place, not just equipped to do anything from woodworking to metalwork to laser cutting – but also with an incredible amount of great advice, help and expertise.
The Cause
Every map contributes £1 to MapAction, a non-profit organization that assists in foreseeing, preparing for, and addressing humanitarian emergencies.