Terra Incognita was a term for unknown areas on early maps. Skillful dragon illustrations represented cartographers’ views of these unexplored territories (“HC SVNT DRACONES”, “here are dragons”). The monsters in early maps were often based on old myths.

This exhibition is also, in a way, about a cartographer’s visions. The giants are reminiscent of the Asian Kara shi shi figures. According to the Buddhist tradition, those evil-looking lion dogs serve a good cause – their job is to protect temples, homes and the people in them. Kara shi shi figures are often depicted in pairs with a ball under their paw.

The current world view is being shaken in many ways – perhaps the most dramatic consequences could be to do with global warming. Will this be the view of a future cartographer – mythical creatures on the edge of the known world? What will happen to the earth? Will the protective figures be successful or will the indifference of mankind be greater?