Cartography is the grand narrative of land. Art also presents breathtaking landscape compositions that help the viewer appreciate and understand the vast expanses upon which civilisation is built.

The intersection between art and cartography goes far beyond the notion of design and illustration. Much like the landscape compositions of Rita Angus and Ralph Hotere, map-making contains multiple cultural and social reference points that together create distinct identities; an art form that enables one to know historically, where our place is.

Oliver McLeod’s map of the Geology of Karioi Volcano, supremely captures the density and complexity of human life as it continues to add its own contours to the volcanic landscape that is represented by this magnificent blend of art and science. The artwork is the setting for cultural tensions between the Tainui-Māori and colonialism. It is an original composition signed by the artist and book author.