Gilles A. Tiberghien's 'Finis Terrae' Explores Imaginary Cartography
Philosopher Gilles A. Tiberghien investigates the representation of space in his book 'Finis Terrae,' continuing his prior work on land art and landscape. He argues that imagination plays a crucial role in cartography, challenging the notion of fidelity to reality. The book examines maps as technical objects with multiple meanings, tied to evolving practices. Tiberghien highlights two key examples: Thomas More's map of Utopia (1516) and Robert Louis Stevenson's map of Treasure Island (1883). These works exemplify imaginary cartography, which also includes medieval mapmakers, Renaissance explorers, and contemporary artists such as Robert Smithson, Richard Long, and Dennis Oppenheim. The study blends scientific anecdotes, technical inventions, literary curiosities, and artistic fantasies.
Key facts
- Gilles A. Tiberghien is the author of 'Finis Terrae'.
- The book explores the representation of space and cartography.
- Tiberghien previously wrote 'Land Art' (1993) and 'Nature, art, paysage' (2001).
- The book argues for the primacy of imagination in mapmaking.
- Thomas More's Utopia map (1516) is a key example.
- Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island map (1883) is another key example.
- Artists referenced include Robert Smithson, Richard Long, and Dennis Oppenheim.
- The work covers medieval, Renaissance, and contemporary cartographic traditions.
Entities
Artists
- Gilles A. Tiberghien
- Thomas More
- Robert Louis Stevenson
- Robert Smithson
- Richard Long
- Dennis Oppenheim
Sources
- artpress —