Ground Level explored how contemporary art practice, mapping and cartography collide. Traditionally the role of the cartographer has been to provide a geographically precise description of the landscape. However, rarely has it been a wholly objective enterprise. While technology increasingly grants access to the precision of satellite imagery, the cartographer’s work has moved further from the ground into more contested areas such as ownership, rights to land, and the flows of people.

This exhibition brought together international artists who perform their own personal forms of cartography. The resulting works suggest maps and surveys, but rather than portraying a singular worldview they put forward idiosyncratic readings of language, peoples and signs, as well as geography.

The exhibition was curated by Kit Hammonds, winner of the 2010 Hayward Curatorial Open, a platform for innovative curatorship in the UK.

Artists included: Maria Thereza Alves; The Atlas Group; Ricardo Basbaum; Heath Bunting and Kayle Brandon; Center for Land Use Interpretation; Simon Evans; Yolande Harris; Christian Philipp Müller; Eyal Weizman; Stephen Willats.

Ground Level was a Hayward Touring exhibition selected and developed in partnership with John Hansard Gallery; QUAD, Derby; Oriel Mostyn, Llandudno and Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum.