Cartography between Reduction, Subjectivity, and Imagination

Cartography is never an objective or exhaustive representation of territory; rather, it is a symbolic reduction of reality. It translates the complexity of the world into a system of signs and coordinates, performing a necessary selection and simplification for understanding and orientation. This function inevitably involves an act of power and choice: what is included on the map determines what is recognized as real or significant.

Beyond this epistemic dimension, cartography also reflects a subjective component: every map is a projection of the consciousness and perception of its creator. It is not a neutral tool but an extension of the cognitive, affective, and cultural structures of the cartographer. In this sense, the map becomes an expression of subjectivity, a way to order space according to specific intentions and perspectives.

Finally, cartography extends beyond its traditional descriptive function toward an area of imagination and speculation. Maps can not only represent real places but also construct possible worlds and open new spatial and conceptual perspectives. These “imaginary maps” play a fundamental role in the theoretical and artistic exploration of space, allowing us to transcend the limits of direct experience and generate new modes of thought and dwelling.