Mercator's Projection World Map | Kristjana S Williams

Mercator's Projection World Map

The flora and fauna of the world weave their mysterious tale within the commanding eye-scope of a 16th Century navigational map. This incredibly detailed Limited Edition print is based upon Kristjana’s 3D AO piece and presents a vibrantly verdant tableau of the world, pulsating with the cunning and paradox of nature. Here, Kristjana has created her own species of mammal, insect and reptile, each with an exaggerated defence mechanism, designed to protect and deceive. The fragile and transient butterfly is adorned with repellent faces on its wings; ermine with antlers and a crested chameleon go about their business with uncharacteristic tenacity.  As lines of latitude shapeshift the landmass to enable navigation, so too the animals presiding upon these infinite poles. Some flowers turn to rocks or mock wilting to avoid attention; the carnivorous sundew creates fake water droplets to attract unsuspecting insects; an orchid changes its form to lure in male bees, making itself smell and appear to be a female bee. The fantastical and dreamlike is never far away: stag-headed avians and head-dressed hares join this festival of evolution, this phenomenal theatre of nature.