Thank you for your questions and feedback @Lenz
Maps inevitably reflect the perspectives of their makers. However, I’m drawn to maps precisely because the act of mapping itself can reveal layers often obscured in narrative forms, thereby exposing underlying assumptions and biases. This exposure provides a space that allows us to interrogate and critique these assumptions.
Maps offer an alternative medium for examining and challenging biases in our thinking. As the project progresses, I plan to share draft maps in this forum and invite feedback to challenge my assumptions and refine the work.
Maps, like all models, are inherently incomplete. They are simplifications that omit certain details and perspectives. However, this selectivity is also what gives maps their power as tools for understanding and communication.
By compressing information and highlighting key patterns, maps can render complex scenarios more legible and accessible. Unlike storytelling, where biases may be obscured in the narrative flow, visualizations can make certain underlying assumptions more apparent.
In addition to their ability to expose biases, the information compression inherent in maps allows them to be more easily adapted and enhanced by others. I believe this is one of the key benefits of mapmaking - it enables collaborative iteration and refinement over time. By involving diverse voices in the counter-mapping process, we can potentially uncover blind spots, incorporate new layers of insight, and create more robust and inclusive representations.
As a visual person, my interests lie in mapping and visual storytelling rather than writing. I intentionally structured the pitch to explore the scenario of AI-mediated protocols through the medium of maps and counter-maps. While I appreciate the creative potential of a short story, I lack confidence in my writing abilities.
Moreover, I believe mapping offers unique advantages for this exploration. It can reveal spatial patterns and allow for non-linear investigation by the viewer, potentially enabling a more immersive experience.
That being said, I’m certainly open to collaborating with writers who might be interested in translating insights from the mapping process into narrative form.