Gitai Archive
TREE RINGS in MAPS
Maps Camouflaged as Tree Rings
The Mimetic Maps 2 art book is a new work of the series “Mimetic Maps” which is continuing the experimental mix of art and graphic design.
Recording the process of how to simulate the topographic maps such as the well-known symbol of Japan: Mt.fuji to
the colored tree ring patterns that everyone is familiar with.
The unexpected similarities between tree rings and maps will be remarkable.
日本の山々の地形図を「年輪化」する
「年輪する擬態地図」は、地形図を年輪の観点で眺めるデザインブックだ。
緻密に描かれた木々は山々の地形図で、ふと目を離してみると、等高線や記号が年輪やヒビとなって現れる。この地形図から浮かび上がる年輪たちの精密な表情こそ、本作の特徴だ。読み進めていくと、普段目にする年輪や木目のみならず、様々な物が何処かの地形図に見えてくるだろう。
真實山峰俯瞰地圖擬態年輪
年輪擬態地圖，是將日本名峰的俯瞰地圖進行「擬態」藝術處理的藝術書籍。微觀和宏觀的概念在這裡變的模糊。除了著色處理之外，等高線，地名等記號被刻意的保留，作為宏觀時的視覺噪音營造出了微觀「年輪」的真實感。等高線是高度漸推的含義，而年輪是時間漸推的含義，這二者之間在邏輯上似乎又有著道不明的聯繫，在視覺上卻可以同一。希望大家也能感受到二者合一的魅力。
Patterns
made of topographic maps
While I was creating this collection, I found that these artworks could be used in a variety of different applications.
One of my ideas is the “tree rings pattern” could be used for textiles and wrapping paper.
Looking from afar, the patterns could be seen as polka dots or could give the impression of a lumber yard.
By looking closer and focusing on the details, you can find the information from topographic maps such as names of the places and symbols.
This gives textiles and wrapping an especially interesting aspect compared to more conventional examples.
FEATURE
Changing the impression in a moment
The feature of this artwork is to show how ordinary maps can be totally changed simply by overlaying colored film.
All the map images remain unchanged from the original online source provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan.
Exhibition
Forest books gallery, Suzhou, China, Jan. 2018.
UNFOLD 2018 : Shanghai Art Book Fair
M50, Shanghai, China, Jan. 2018.
The original inspiration for this experimental graphic design project comes from Mitate ”見立て”; which is a traditional Japanese method of making something appear as something else.
Above is an example of another one of my own experiments with the Mitate style. I arranged my original illustration of Mt.fuji into a single-toned color block which the actual map originally used for its background color. From this, the shape of Mt.fuji’s illustration immediately turns into an unknown peninsula.
My art book project started from my own curiosity about the possibilities of the arrangement of the shapes in actual maps. I then noticed that the topographic map of Mt.fuji could be easily compared to the faces of a log. After many experiments with different maps and types of wood, finally I settled on what I believe to be most beautiful examples and made my art-book Mimetic Maps 2 to share it with the world.
Special Thanks: YafaKoseko&Dave guy
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Gitai archive
Treerings in Maps
year: 2017 / pages: 32p.
paper : vent nouveau / dimension : A4 / binding : Saddle Stitch Staple
printing office : Graphic inc. Kyoto
Available on
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created by
Koseko design&press (小瀬古文庫)
is a graphic artist based in Shonan, Japan. His theme is how could create amazing expressions inspired by concept of Mitate, which has been used in Japanese traditional art practices like zen gardens for centuries.
website
instagram
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