Lost Maps of Norumbega

 

Gardiner, Maine - In April Monkitree, 263 Water Street in Gardiner will present an exhibition featuring the work of Ken Gross entitled Lost Maps of Norumbega. Ken Gross, cartographer and artist, moved to Maine in 2010. It was a foreign land to him and ripe for exploration. Like early explorers searching to fill in the gaps of geographical knowledge of the region then called Norumbega, Ken began exploring his new home.   As an artist working in block print, ink illustration and watercolor, Ken has created a collection of the many small wonders he has found exploring the state of Maine.

What is it about maps that we are drawn to? A map implies a place where someone has gone before. We can, therefore, explore with knowledge of the terrain. We are free to take off in a direction with confidence. Follow me! Dirigo!

Ken Gross explores Maine just as early explorers did when they first discovered the region they called Norumbega. Early map makers, because of generalization, omissions or commissions created maps that were little more than an abstraction of reality. In other words, art from a different perspective.

Ken views this show as an opportunity to showcase cartography as art, saying, “This is strongly in contrast with my career as a Cartographer. Maps are pieces of art because each one is loaded with meaning. Usually they answer the question, ‘Where is?’ But art asks a different question, ‘How does is make you feel?’”

The public is invited to meet the artist at an opening reception on Friday, April 5, 2012 from 5:00-9pm.

Monkitree is a fine art and craft gallery located at 263 Water Street in historic downtown Gardiner, Maine.