Visual Analysis Of Maui: Sugar Plantation

Upon first sight, Maui: Sugar Plantation may appear quite confusing. Being the product of the overlaying of three maps, the piece is jam-packed with detail that can almost overload the eye. The three maps that are included in this print are a topographic map, a nautical map, and a map of Spanish Camp A. Created as a digital print with hand lithography made in the feminist era, there are a few interpretations about the meaning of this piece which include the exploitation of native lands or the placement of man in nature. Upon initial examination, the viewer’s eye is immediately drawn to the topographic map projection. Featuring shades of green, brown and yellow, the piece stands out in comparison to the black lines used in the other two projections. The topographic map shows vegetation, areas of high and low elevations on the map and areas of steep gradients. The color of the piece tends to be of light value (closer to white) around the coasts of the map and of heavy value (closer to black) towards the peak of the island. The colors contrast very effectively in showing the various types of vegetation that occur in places throughout the island. The shades of green of what is the coast of the island represent the grassy, low lying areas of the map. The shades of brown around
This process allowed for images to be transferred to metal plates, greased and pressed adding to the difficulty that went into making this piece. Kozloff is very well known for her politically inspired work centered around cartography. This piece seems to be a small exception to her past as no immediate political connection can be immediately drawn from it. The cartography that this piece entailed though is nothing short of remarkable. All three maps are very different in composition and function which makes them a very odd combination but one that through Kozloff’s hard work, blends together very