Cartografias Criativas: práticas de worldbuilding na Ball State University (BSU)

Brendo Francis Carvalho; Almir Nabozny

doi:10.5433/2447-1747.2026v35n2p211

Authors

Brendo Francis Carvalho UEPG https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6118-4112
Almir Nabozny Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8723-9134

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5433/2447-1747.2026v35n2p211

Keywords:

Worldbuilding

Abstract

This article presents an experience report of the Worldbuilding and Cartography project carried out at Ball State University (BSU) in 2023, in Muncie, Indiana. The aim of the study was to analyze how the creation of fictional worlds (worldbuilding) articulates the geographic imagination and the spatial experience of individuals in order to propose diverse and original worlds. The relationship between Cartography and geographic knowledge is also expressed through artistic creation based on the mapping of invented worlds. The implementation involved drawing workshops in the Narrative Drawing course in March 2023, as well as visits to the local map collection and an exhibition. The study analyzes maps, examining the correlation between the creative process, the local visual culture (of BSU and Muncie), and the proposals developed by the university students. The works demonstrate sensitivity and diversity of techniques, highlighting the relevance of personal experience as a source of ideas for original artistic works. From the activity, it was identified that Cartography is understood and re-signified by participants as a valid and creative form of art, enabling the creation of images that present other possible worlds. A significant articulation between imagination and experience in the construction of the cartographic imaginary is observed.

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Author Biographies

Brendo Francis Carvalho, UEPG

PhD in Geography from the Graduate Program in Geography at UEPG (State University of Ponta Grossa) (2024), with a Sandwich Doctorate (CAPES PDSE) at Ball State University (BSU), in Muncie, Indiana. Master in Territorial Management from the Graduate Program in Geography at UEPG (State University of Ponta Grossa). Graduated in the Bachelor's Degree in Geography at UEPG (State University of Ponta Grossa). Grossa). Exchange student at the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança in Portugal (2018 - 2nd semester). Works in the area of Human Geography, especially in themes related to Urban Free Spaces, Artistic Cartography, Cultural Heritage, History of Geography and Art. Graduated as an Administrative Assistant by SENAI-PR (National Service for Industrial Learning - Ponta Grossa). Member of NEXA-PG (Núcleo dos Ex-Achievers de Ponta Grossa) promotes actions in the area of entrepreneurship, volunteering and other activities developed by Junior Achievement Paraná. Creator of artistic maps linked to art/literature.

Almir Nabozny, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa

Doutor em Geografia pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Professor na Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (UEPG).

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