Drawing from virtual travel: Regret, danger and magic

Abstract

This article explores the experiential qualities of drawing from the world of Google Maps. It will consider the possibilities of drawing from digital geographies and the potential of virtual travel to offer newfound perspectives. Notions of regret, danger and magic are investigated to support the concept of the artist-cyberflâneur as the practice of observing, revealing and reclaiming parts of the internet space through artistic endeavours. Regret: How does drawing from the Google Map reality incite comparisons and feelings of longing? Danger: What are the rules of copyright and the restrictions of edited, curated online spaces? Magic: What can the artist’s work from Google Maps reveal about our world as distanced observers, and what transportive qualities can Google Maps inspire? This article will bring in personal experience of drawing from virtual travel as a solo artist and drawing with others, reflecting on social drawing from Google Maps as part of artistic practice.