New medical technologies have given us views of the body and the brain which present neurological activity as a map-like image, but in the past the graphic language of maps has often been used to describe emotions and other intangible experiences. Sometimes artists have used strategies such as automatism or meditation to access and to map the visions of their own unconscious mind. In other instances maps of real places may be invoked to represent imaginary journeys or fantastical lands.
Richard Dadd
'Sketch to Illustrate The Passions: Patriotism'
1857
Museum no. F59
Susan Aldworth
'Birth of a Thought 1'
2007
Museum no. E.2547-2007
© Susan Aldworth
Mathias L'Obel and Petro Pena
Titlepage to 'Stirpium Adversaria Nova [A New Journal of Plants]'
1571
Museum no. E.2189-1886
Mila Judge-Fürstová
'Other Journeys II'
2004
Museum no. E.515-2005
© Mila Judge-Fürstová