Map of the EU 2021

Curator: This is Gretchen Andrew’s "Map of the EU," a mixed-media drawing created in 2021. It strikes me as quite playful, with its collage elements and perspectival distortions. What captures your attention? Editor: It feels very busy and almost surreal. I’m curious about the composition and how all these elements come together. What do you see in this piece in terms of formal qualities? Curator: The piece eschews traditional notions of spatial coherence. Observe how the artist juxtaposes flattened, almost cartoonish renderings with photographic elements. Notice, for instance, the flattened depiction of objects, contrasted with the photograph integrated into the work. How does this deliberate disruption of perspective affect your understanding of the artwork? Editor: It makes the space feel very shallow. Are the objects casting real shadows? Or are those also drawn? Curator: A fascinating question. Indeed, some shadows appear rendered, while others seem to be cast by the physical objects themselves. It begs the question of what is 'real' and what is a representation. It undermines any unified or coherent point of view. Note, too, the recurrent floral motifs; how do these interact with the cartographic implications of the "Map" within the title? Editor: The flowers soften the harsher angles, I think. This helps the collage elements stick to each other. I suppose that creates some cohesion. What do you make of the limited color palette? Curator: The restricted color palette—predominantly blues, creams, and pinks—serves to unify the disparate elements, preventing the composition from becoming overly chaotic. In particular, there is tension with the flat color and the physical instantiation of three-dimensional space via collage. It asks viewers to reconcile two competing logics of drawing. Editor: That makes me appreciate how much control there is despite the initial impression of chaos. Thank you. Curator: Yes, there's an attempt to subvert tradition using common materials, rather than simply dismissing established techniques. Food for thought.