Winifred Lutz: Mason-Dixon Lines—Past to Present

An installation in the foyer of Philosophical Hall, the first project of Unexpected: Five Artist-Residency Projects, 2007–2008.

Mounted in Philosophical Hall’s circular foyer, this installation interprets mapping, a theme throughout the exhibition. Hand-drawn parallel bands spiral around the foyer to chart three different ways of mapping the historic border at a scale of 1 inch = 1 mile. One band reproduces Mason and Dixon’s map from their famed 1763–67 survey; the second is a topographical map of the line’s terrain; the third uses detailed contemporary travel maps to show present-day conditions of the area, including highways and towns. Strategically placed binoculars in the foyer allow visitors to “navigate” the maps close-up.