Matt Cusick’s Map Works

I have always loved maps.

I have vivid memories of being in elementary school and absolutely lighting up when my teacher assigned any sort of map project. So naturally, I’ve been a fan of Matt Cusick’s work ever since I stumbled across the his stunning collage work using maps.

Matt transforms something ordinary, rigid, prescribed — latitude, longitude, political borders, states, ancient land masses and formation — into something fresh, dynamic, and alive. Fixed, flat, homogenous bodies of water are suddenly flowing, lurching, twisting.

Kayli’s Wave, Matt Cusick

Three Horses, Matt Cusick (2011)

Fiona’s Wave, Matt Cusick (2005)

Beautiful!

Despite being a fan for a few years, I only just discovered (while writing this post!) that Matt has also done some stunning collages of constellations and a series of defacements of public school textbooks.

Take a look at Matt Cusick’s website to see more of his work.

Blendscapes by Oriol Angrill Jordà

I adore these “Blendscapes” by Oriol Angrill Jordà, a young artist from Barcelona.

There’s something so soothing about how the colours bleed together and fade. Airy, light, and tranquil.

Greydy by Oriol Angrill Jordà

Flowery Web by Oriol Angrill Jordà

Twistly by Oriol Angrill Jordà

Although I’m not much of an artist, I do enjoy making things occasionally, sketching and painting, and messing around with colours and textures. Watercolour paint is so unforgiving! I’m too impatient to use it effectively (putting down layers, letting it dry, etc.)

Some artists master watercolour paint with precision and ease, and seem to thrive with such a delicate medium. I was thrilled when I came across this time-lapse account of the artist, Oriol Angrill Jordà, creating a blendscape. I loved seeing how he approached the painting.

Check out Oriol Angrill Jordà’s website to see more blendscapes and other work: http://www.oriolangrill.com/

Now it’s your turn!

Who is your favourite modern artist? What do you like about their work?