This Mapmaker Creates Beautiful Art From Street Maps
There are UP, Ateneo, and UST maps, too!
In this period of tumultuous territorial dispute, maps from centuries past are more important than ever to prove sovereignty on pieces of land in the Philippine archipelago. We also depend on maps to explore countries and cities for the first timeâor even supposedly familiar places we just can't remember how to get to (hello, Waze!). Sometimes, they make nice additions to our walls as art. Take for example a collection of minimalist maps made by US-based artist Cocoy Fisco.
Cocoy Fisco sells framed custom map prints.
The maps are based on information from Openstreetmap.
"I was initially inspired by @mapmakerdavid, [David Garcia], on Instagram and wanted to design my own maps based on my favorite places in the world. It was just a hobby turned a part-time business as we were already starting to sell some prints to our friends here," Fisco tells SPOT.ph in a short chat. Garcia's Philippine maps feature interesting cartographical renderings of the country, such as one that shows population densities, another that highlights road networks, and a view of the Philippines at night.
Ateneo de Manila University
University of the Philippines - Diliman
Philippine Flight Path
Fisco's digital renderings, on the other hand, include street maps of Metro Manila; Lucban, Quezon; and Baler, Aurora; as well as hyperlocal spots like the Pasig River and Teacher's Village. You can also let your school pride shine with maps of the University of the Philippines - Diliman, University of the Philippines - Los Baños, University of Santo Tomas, and Ateneo de Manila University. For intrepid travelers, there's an illustration of Philippine flight paths and a detailed map of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
"For now, we can only sell our prints around the U.S. But hopefully next month, we can coordinate with a printing business in the [Philippines] so we can start selling there as well," Fisco adds. According to the artist, prices of prints range from P1,000 to P2,000 depending on the size.
For more information, visit Mapa on Facebook and Instagram.
This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.
