This work belongs to the map projection series. The work references a particular map projection from the 18th century – the Bonne map projection. I have been looking at map projections which provide alternative representations of our world – particularly in terms of land mass, land relationships, country sizes and hence, geopolitical relationships.

Distortions on world map projections are inevitable. Some strive to minimise distortions, but in doing so become peculiar in shape. The Bonne map projection is an interesting projection, as its distortions become greater towards the edges of the shape. This map provides an analogy to the limitations of our perception – that peripheral events and affairs can often be more skewed as a result of misinformation and prejudice, and we are more susceptible to media manipulations today.

The pixel-like flame shapes that encompass the outer perimeter of the canvas have a symbolic representation in this work – that technological progress and our information age (denoted by the pixel-like shapes) may be the biggest threat and detriment to our world.

— Vivien Zhang, August 2021