Contemporary Cartographies: Traces and Transformations of Knidos
This body of work is situated between the antiquity of the 4th century BCE and our contemporary moment, exploring how layers of history remain present in the landscape of modern-day Datça, Türkiye. Primarily created while in residence in Datça in the summer of 2025, the series takes the ancient city of Knidos, primarily Palaia Knidos (known aslo as Burgaz) as both subject and framework: a place where time, memory, and human presence intersect.
The works are developed through a range of approaches: paintings on canvas that reflect present-day views of Datça, drawings made on location using natural and found materials, and layered, textured oil paintings on panels that respond directly to the archaeological remains of Knidos. Together, these works chart a space that is neither purely historical nor purely contemporary, but something in between—a cartography of traces, transformations, and lived experience.
By shifting between direct observation, material experimentation, and abstract translation, I aim to reveal how ancient structures continue to shape our understanding of place today. Just as maps can record topography, boundaries, and routes, these works function as visual maps of perception—recording the light, color, and forms that connect past and present across the Datça landscape.
Currently in Process
All images and text © 2013-2025 Erin Nicole Power