Rethinking the Land: An Exhibition of Ulster Maps

The author curates a touring exhibition of Northern Ireland cartography, called Mapping Alternative Ulster. The project emerged from a dissatisfaction with how Northern Ireland is represented in maps, and one example is given. To counter them, he sought independent cartographers making original maps. The curator discusses the criteria he applied when selecting work for the show. He wanted maps with politics, although not the region’s traditional sectarian politics. All the selected maps constitute arguments, critiquing problems in the lived environment or drawing attention to valuable things that may be at risk. The latter sections of the article discuss five of the contributors and looks at their work in detail. In the conclusion, the impact of the exhibition is assessed by examining visitor comments. The paper is illustrated.