Jerry's Map (jerrysmap.com)

Article summary

Jerry's Map is a long-term art project started by Jerry in 1963, where he draws a map of an imaginary city using a set of rules and a custom deck of cards. The project has evolved over the years, with Jerry adding new panels and rules to the map. The map is now a large, circular, two-dimensional representation of a virtual world, comprising over 4000 individual panels. The project's creative process is driven by the instructions on the cards, which dictate the actions Jerry takes to modify the map.

Main themes

• Artistic process
• Imaginary world-building
• Rule-based creativity
• Long-term projects
• Mixed media art
• Personal expression

What commenters say

• The project's unique blend of rules and randomness makes it a fascinating example of artistic creativity.
• The use of a custom deck of cards to drive the creative process is an interesting approach to generating art.
• Some commentators see potential for using the project's algorithm to generate maps for video games or other applications, while others argue that this would miss the point of the project's human, personal aspect.
• The project's emphasis on slow, manual creation is seen as a refreshing counterpoint to the instant gratification often associated with digital media.
• The project has drawn comparisons to other examples of outsider art and world-building, such as the work of Henry Darger.
• Some commentators have noted the potential for using the project as a starting point for exploring the intersection of art and artificial intelligence.
• Others have expressed a desire to see the project exhibited in a physical space, allowing viewers to experience the map in person.
• The project has inspired some commentators to reflect on their own experiences with creative activities, such as drawing maps or building imaginary worlds.