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20+ Pieces of Modern Map Art Putting a Contemporary Spin on Cartography

Map Art

Given the experimental nature of contemporary art, cartography may not seem like the most avant-garde practice. However, many of today's top creatives are transforming the ancient art of mapmaking into a mesmerizing modern art form. Here, we explore several pieces that illustrate this innovative approach to maps.

From minimalist graphics and animated drawings to grid-based jewelry and jackets, contemporary interpretations of the humble map are as eclectic as the locations that inspire them. Similarly, subjects explored in these works span cities, countries, continents, and even the entire globe, showcasing a variety of sites around the world through an artistic and undeniably modern lens. By celebrating and presenting these destinations in their work, artists elevate cartography into the contemporary art realm, quite literally putting it on the map!

See a stunning selection of modern map art below.

Minimalist Metro Maps

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

New York City | Artist: Peter Dovak

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

London | Artist: Peter Dovak

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Paris | Artist: Peter Dovak

 

Klimt-Inspired Map of Manhattan

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Rafael Esquer

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Rafael Esquer

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Rafael Esquer

 

Grid-Inspired Jewelry

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Talia Sari

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Tokyo | Artist: Talia Sari

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

San Francisco | Artist: Talia Sari

 

Abstract Cities

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Amsterdam | Artist: Jazzberry Blue

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Berlin | Artist: Jazzberry Blue

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Chicago | Artist: Jazzberry Blue

 

World Map Made of Color and Negative Space

 

Cartographic Calendar

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Zeynep Orbay

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Zeynep Orbay

 

Matchstick Map

 

Chandelier Illuminated by Data

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Chris Parlato

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Chris Parlato

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Chris Parlato

 

Subway-Savvy Cuffs

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Design Hype

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Design Hype

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Design Hype

 

Cities Reimagined as Leaves

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Andrew Martis

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Andrew Martis

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Andrew Martis

Modern Map Art Cartography Map Posters

Artist: Andrew Martis

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Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
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