Decolonizzando Linguaggi cartografici per una cartografia impegnata

Abstract

Decolonizing Cartographic Languages towards an Engaged Cartography In this chapter, I elaborate on the methods and means of design of collective critical cartography. Recognizing that most critical maps, reproduce certain forms, formalities and aesthetics of traditional western cartography, I reflect on potentials of developing new ways of collectively creating and using maps. With this in mind, I built the discussion on kollektiv orangotango’s experience in combining collective mapping with other artistic means. As kollektiv orangotango, a group of popular educators, activists and critical cartographers, we conceive collective mapping as a process of geographic alphabetization in everyday life and action spaces – through dialogue, «mediated by the world». Our engagement as popular educators promoting critical cartography, our experience in collective mapping as well as discussions with fellow critical cartographers from diverse backgrounds urge us to go beyond the standard attributes of critical cartography. This implies the development of cartographic means that do not merely criticize some elements of traditional cartography, but instead open our gaze towards new cartographies based on different conceptions of space, territory and the relations they contain. It is about using maps and mapping processes as one among many tools to develop a different imagination of the world and our relations with and within it. Building on kollektiv orangotango‘s mapping experience, I reflect on some of the means of designing maps and elaborate on how we hope to develop them further towards decolonial mapping practices, both in the analogue and digital realm. Keywords: kollektiv orangotango, collective mapping, decolonization, (g)local practices, critical cartography.