James Bockelman

2006–2009 Mapped Black Drawings

Constructed as one might plot a region or territory, these drawings are marked with intrusions that cut across their surface where an electric disk grinder cut through layers of graphite and beeswax. These drawings hang heavy off the wall and are meant to explore the relationship between the physical weight of the dense black surface and the position of power conveyed through the orientation of aerial perspective. Lifted from several historic maps of Köln, Germany, the geometric compositions reference the medieval fortification and geographical organization of the old city while the honeycomb pattern alludes to an economy of means, of self–sufficiency, and preservation.