Grinter Gallery extends dates for cartography exhibit

May 5, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Grinter Gallery is pleased to announce the extension of “Cartography from the Age of Exploration” through Aug. 20.

This exhibition celebrates the 80th Anniversary of the University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies with a collection of maps dating to the 16th and 17th centuries from collector and UF alumnus Steven Keats. Keats’ collection primarily focuses on cartography of the Americas and the Caribbean by European explorers.

The continuity of the display parallels the invention of new navigational tools, fauna and flora discoveries, and progression towards a greater understanding of geography.

The exhibition includes works from Martin Walseemueler, author of the first map of the Western Hemisphere; and Sebastian Munster, author of the first map to conceptualize North and South America as separate continents. Other highlights are two 1572 city views of Cusco and Mexico City, an illustrated map of Walter Releigh’s search of El Dorado, and a 1609 depiction of Asia. While an undertone of the exhibition alludes to mercantile enterprises that later developed into colonialism, the maps also exemplify artistic and textual stylizations, popular myths and folklores, and common assumptions of the time.

Grinter Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The gallery is closed weekends and holidays.

Grinter Gallery is located in the main lobby of Grinter Hall, next to the University Auditorium, on the University of Florida campus.

Visitor parking is available in reserved spaces behind Fine Arts Building “C” on Inner Road. Visitor permits are issued to gallery visitors at the University Gallery. Reserved parking for the galleries during receptions is available at Tigert Hall, just north of the University Gallery on 13th Street.

For further information, please contact the University Gallery at 352-273-3000 or visit our website at www.arts.ufl.edu/galleries.