Geonarratives of Human Rights Defenders in Negros Island, Philippines: ArtMap

𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀/𝗡𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

Maps inherently intend to show locational data, but in the case of human rights defenders (HRDs) who constantly live/die in these precarious geographies, how can we portray their narratives without revealing their spaces? How can we expose without disclosing too much? How can we create a map that aims to hide?

This dilemma leads to a surreal map designed not to tell actual locations of violence but stories of everyday vulnerabilities faced by HRDs. The map abstracts general points of interest to denote how seemingly normal and safe spaces for everyone may be dangerous and even fatal for HRDs. Ultimately, these art maps function as a contestation of space illustrated from the standpoint of HRDs. Contrary to the notion of a safe Negros Island spinned by the state and mainstream media, vandalizing and destabilizing the map symbolizes the HRDs’ exposition of their struggles and reclamation of just and democratic spaces.

This art map is part of a map series for the study entitled "Geonarratives of Human Rights Defenders in Negros Island, Philippines." The study is funded by the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, and is a collaborative effort between the Department of Geography, University of the Philippines Diliman and the Department of Geography and the Environment, Syracuse University.

Researchers:

Mylene T. De Guzman

Bernardino S. Dela Cruz Jr.

Leonardo Miguel Garcia

Yany P. Lopez

Arnisson Andre C. Ortega

#DefendNegros

#DefendtheDefenders

You may view the high-resolution images here.