website presented at FRAC NPDC Dunkerque

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Developed by Marjolijn Dijkman (ongoing since 2005)
Photographs: Marjolijn Dijkman
Made by Rekall Design
Published by the Jan van Eyck Academie

This research has been made possible with the generous support of the Jan van Eyck Academie

Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

At this moment I'm finalizing an online representation of the ongoing photographic research Theatrum orbis Terrarum. This online archive will present the continuation of this research and will the coming months be fully updated. This website gives the possibility to follow the process of the research Theatrum Orbis Terrarum besides public presentations in exhibitions and publications.

Taking inspiration from Ortelius’ Theatrum orbis Terrarum’ (Theatre of the World), the first modern atlas produced in 1570, it is my aim to gain an insight into the way in which the world is organised. Not by means of abstract maps and purely geographical data, but by arranging photographic registrations of the world according to personal criteria. These systems are in a constant state of development and are extensively brought up to date when new images and categories have been obtained. One image can be included in different categories and systems and, in consequence of this, trigger opposite meanings. At the moment, the archive is made up of three ordering systems, viz. ‘Gestures’, ‘References’ and ‘Speculations’.